The problems of racial and religious animus are unfortunately ongoing challenges for Michiganders with ancestry from the Middle East or who adhere to the Islamic faith. These challenges exist despite the density of Arab and Chaldean Americans and American Muslims who reside in Southeastern Michigan.
Read MoreWhen Thomas Jefferson wrote the famous words “all men are created equal,” his original intent was likely to limit that category to only white men, not minorities or women. Yet, when we celebrate this phrase today and teach it to our kids in school, we do so under the assumption that it represents people of all races, colors, and genders.
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Jamal Kalabat had been attending engineering school for three years in Baghdad when the opportunity came for him to move to the United States. Arriving in America in 1976, he knew his engineering education must continue and he enrolled at Lawrence Technological University (then Institute). He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering in 1978, with highest distinction in Business Administration studies.
Read MoreAll it took was thirty seconds. It was thirty seconds that my heart stopped beating because I realized our reality. What I thought was going to be a simple ‘let’s go help a kayaker get back on her kayak’ turned into something I still think about to this day; it invades my dreams.
Read MoreMy journey into Israel began with a stir. As I landed into the country and began to go through customs, I encountered my first challenge: Iraqi stamps on my American passport.
Read MoreIt has been almost two decades since the American invasion of Iraq, an action that was widely heralded in the Western mainstream media, and one which had popular support in the U.S. public arena.
Read MoreI had my share of meetings with those who held negative attitudes towards immigrants. Still, the good people I have met far outnumber the bad.
Read MoreThe recent murders of Behnam Rasho and Saad Hanna Halabo in Highland Park and Detroit tragically mark the reemergence of a long pattern of violence against Chaldean businessowners.
Read MoreThe Chaldean community has different meanings to different people. But no matter how someone defines the greater collection of our ancient people, we are not all the same.
Read MoreIt’s an unfortunate fact of modern life that we need to protect ourselves and our most vulnerable loved ones from con games aimed at stealing our money and valuable personal information. These kinds of schemes are a danger throughout the year, but tax season seems to be an especially busy season for fraudsters.
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One in five young people suffer from a mental health condition, but the good news is early intervention has a fundamental impact on prevention and treatment. Trusted adults can inspire hope by providing support and encouragement to address observed mental health challenges. Adult support is especially important to our youth’s mental health during this pandemic period, when prolonged periods of isolation may add to distress. As they say, “It takes a village,” and we need to check in with our youth and be attentive and available.
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In the Gospel of Matthew, the Church calls “the great commission,” given to the Apostles and to every baptized Catholic to go out and preach the message of the Gospel and bring all souls to Christ.
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When I think about what it means to be an American and the promise this country has offered to generations of immigrants, including my own parents, I don’t have to look any farther than my name. My last name, Jaddou, reflects my dad’s Chaldean heritage. My middle name, Mendoza, honors my mom’s roots in Mexico.
Read MoreIn 1917, in a little village in Portugal, three small children were playing games in a field, building castles out of rock while tending the family sheep. Suddenly they saw a flash of light. Believing it to be lightning, they gathered the sheep and ran home. While rushing home, they saw a Lady standing over a small tree, dressed in white and more brilliant than the sun.
Read MoreOn October 26, 1978, my uncle, Christopher Patros, was brought into this world. Little did anyone know at that time how gifted he truly was. It didn’t take too long to find out; to the surprise of our family, Chris was baking and cooking at an early age. By ten years of age, he could easily coordinate a dinner table for 20!
Read MoreWithout a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed and exacerbated the inequities in our education system, especially in areas where resources are limited. During the initial shutdown last spring, some school districts, like West Bloomfield Schools, were able to immediately give out Chromebooks and hotspots and food to those in need, whereas certain schools in Michigan’s upper peninsula had to rely on weekly packets because of lagging internet connections.
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You are returning to work and you have questions. We have answers.
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For more than a year now, the news has covered the unprecedented coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gravely impacted people everywhere. The world changed overnight, leaving many individuals to live in fear for their health and that of their loved ones.
Read MoreScripture and the traditions of the earliest Catholics make it clear that God wants us to receive His mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. But, in recent years there has been a steady decline in the number of Catholics that go to Confession.
Read MoreThe parish of the Mart Mariam Chaldean Catholic Church in Northbrook, Illinois is home to many believers of Christ in the Chicagoland area. Mart Mariam Church is part of the Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle, based in Michigan. The church relocated to the city of Northbrook in 2011, allowing its parishioners access to a larger church that would better equip a growing community.
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