www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall I'm astounded!!

Well, once in a while the National Catholic Reporter really does educate me! I just learned that Iraqi Vice Premier Tariq Aziz is a Chaldean Catholic!

Another interesting item on the Seattle Catholic website states that "A solemn consecration of Iraq to the Virgin Mary by all patriarchs and bishops of Iraq will be held in the Cathedral of St. Joseph before the statue of the Pilgrim Virgin, 'Queen of Peace.'"

May their prayers bring healing to the people of Iraq and the swift return of our men and women serving there.


Khrystyna

Dear Khrystyna:

Welcome to the club!

Did you know that there are about 600 to 700,000 Chaldean Catholics in and around Baghdad alone?

And that they are staying put, despite the extreme danger obtaining, as the brunt of war is brought to bear on Iraq's capital city!

In clear support of the Chaldean Patriarchate's decision to "weather" the horrors of war, the Vatican assured all Iraqis that the the Apostolic Nunciature in Baghdad will remain open 24/7 during the hostilities, the Apostolic Nuncio and his staff made available for any contingencies.

VP Tariq Aziz had to hold a press conference after the American initial salvo to dissuade rumors that he was trying to get out of Baghdad in a hurry. (He is viewed by the West, because of his being the only Christian in the Cabinet, as the leading candidate to head the government of a post-war Iraq.)

I hope Minister Aziz will survive this war (and Saddam) as well as he did during the 1991 Gulf War!


AmdG

Dear Amado,

Yes, and a Chaldean Catholic couple I know once told me that Saddam Hussein is actually the "nicest" of the political leaders in Iraq by comparison with the other guys . . .

He has been most tolerant of the Chaldeans and Assyrians, according to them.

Alex

Dear Amado,

No, I had no idea the number of Chaldean Catholics was that high. I am gratified by the Holy See's support of the Chaldean community.

What an interesting prospect, to think that Aziz could replace Saddam Hussein after the war ends.

When I join in the Stations of the Cross at my parish this evening (our parish associate, a wonderful Benedictine (there I go again, trumpeting the Benedictines! ) leads the stations in a deeply prayerful and meaningful way)I will hold our Chaldean brothers and sisters, our service men and women and all the people of Iraq in my heart as we remember the sacrifice of the Suffering Servant of God.


Khrystyna

Dear Khrystyna,

Yes, but Aziz, according to some, is not a practicing Catholic . . .

But still . . .

See y'a!

Alex

Among whom are Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Saint Thomas the Apostle in Southfield, Michigan. If I recall correctly, while be interviewed on EWTN's "The World Over", the bishop said that as far as he knows, Aziz may have been raised a Catholic but he is not now a Catholic and does not practice any Christian faith.

Well by golly, maybe if someone encourage him to practice long enough he'll get it right!!

Have a most enjoyable cruise!

Khrystyna

Dear Lemko,

Perhaps he will return to the Church once he realizes God loves him "As is."

O.K., I really need a holiday . . .

God bless and forgive me a sinner!

Alex

Dear Alex:


"As is" or "as he were," VP Tariq Aziz has, at least, perfected his survival techniques in Iraq's militarily and politically charged environment for years.

Along the way, he must have had sufficient practice also in all things Catholic, as Khrystyna observed, to be able to sit in audience with the Holy Father when the former visited the Vatican just days prior to this war.

Minister Aziz even went to Assisi to pray for guidance, dubbed by the inquiring press as a personal pilgrimage.

AmdG

Dear Amado,

Well, I had no problem with an audience with the Pope, and I certainly am no practicing Roman Catholic!

Good for him and may God use him for purposes of peace and stability in his country and throughout the entire area.

Alex

Dear Alex:

Yes, sir!

You are not a practicing Roman Catholic but you are a Roman, practicing Ukainian Catholicism!

(Or, as you would say, a practicing "Orthodox in communion with Rome.")


AmdG

Dear Amado,

Well, you raise a fascinating point, Big Guy!

Being what you say , I nevertheless have a poor understanding of Roman Rite traditions, as I didn't have the biritual benefits of Dr John's Byzantine Jesuit upbringing . . .

This ignorance of mine, and it isn't the only one of its kind, mind you, got me into trouble in Catholic school when I wouldn't genuflect, or when I would genuflect on the wrong knee to prelates (why didn't they tell me?).

Then there was the matter of criss-crossing one's thumbs in prayer when one brought one's hands together . . .

And as for Rogation Days, forget about it . . .

You should have seen the look of consternation on a Latin monk's face when I made a mistake in greeting him and immediately let out, "Ohhhh, brother!"

Alex

Ah Alex, then you will be very proud of me in that I always make sure to sit in the very front row of pews at Mass so that everyone is sure to see my graceful, extra-deep, utterly correct genuflections while at the same time casting perfectly haughty, disdainful stares at my fellow Catholics who fail to genuflect before entering/exiting their pews

Khrystyna

Dear Khrystyna:

Aha!

So, your are one of us! Showing proper reverence is a hallmark of "us": the old, traditional, and proper Catholics.

I still genuflect when crossing the center aisle and cross myself when passing by any and all churches (Catholic, i.e.)

For a young Lutheran convert, you ASTOUND me with your deep knowledge of, some say, "antiquated" Catholic practices.


AmdG

Dear Amado,

With a great sigh of utter humility ( ) I confess, yes, you have found me out!!

I love the traditional signs and symbols of being Catholic. I always genuflect whenever passing the tabernacle (which in my parish church is still in the center of the sanctuary behind the main altar) or bow to the altar if the tabernacle is located elsewhere. The Sign of the Cross, the rich baptismal symbol of holy water (which, Deo Gratias, the good Benedictines at my parish have chosen NOT to remove during this Lenten season), the rhythms of the Liturgical Year. I could never again live without that fullness of spiritual life.

Khrystyna


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