Reflections

The season of Lent is a natural time for self-reflection, a “spring cleaning of the soul,” if you will. From the photo essay of Tilkepe that reminds us of home to the Lenten meditations of Fr. Matthew Zetouna, this edition is all about reflections.

Our cover story tells us about 100 years of faith celebrated by the humble nuns who are called the Daughters of Mary Immaculate. This is a deeply personal story, the narrative of two women who felt the call and the priest who set it all up a century ago. As the article teaches us, humility is the most important virtue for any who accept the call to serve as sisters. Their daily lives may not be what you expect; you have to read the story to learn more.

We also interviewed a couple of biological sisters who separately made the pilgrimage to Iraq with the Gishru group. These tours took place nearly a decade apart, yet the lessons learned and the relationships each sister formed closely mirror the other. This annual trip to the homeland is a rite of passage for Chaldean youth, and most certainly prompts reflection upon return to “normal” life.

Travel today is a bit different than it was even a few years ago, and CN contributor Crystal Kassab Jabiro helps readers over the hurdles with her article on vacationing during COVID. Do you know what a PCR test is? Neither did I until I read the story.

Vanessa Denha-Garmo returns to the CN as the author of an article on Mike Denha, the Chaldean American Chamber’s Businessperson of the Year for 2022. “Uncle Mike” has had a huge influence on the community since his arrival in America in the 1950s, not only establishing businesses for his family but assisting others in setting up their own businesses as well. One mark of his greatness is the fact that he is happy when his ‘students’ surpass him.

The community has lost a great many souls in the past few years; in the CN, we remember them. In addition to the ‘In Memoriam’ section, this month we have three more heavenly souls to celebrate: Valerie Abbo, Roy Denha, and Sam Yono. These names are recognized by many and were so well loved in life.

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month, the perfect time to celebrate the efforts of the Chaldean Community Foundation’s Breaking Barriers Program. Susan Kattula is intimately connected and shares her thoughts with us as well as some information for families. Our Dr. Is In department has a new contributor in Dr. Herman Kado, who writes about the importance of health screenings, and tax lawyer Venar Ayar shares some common tax scams and gives advice on what to do if you think you may be a victim.

As Fr. Matthew states in his article, Lent is a time to look at ourselves clearly and weed out any bad habits or vices. This may include gambling. The ease of access for online betting now makes it virtually impossible to stay away from temptation for those who have a gambling problem. Bishop Francis tackles that issue in another installment of his “Shepherd’s Call,’ and we cover it here for you.

In this season, as we reflect on our lives, our beliefs, and our actions, we would do well to remember what Pope Francis tells us – that Lent is a path towards continual conversion of the heart.

In Peace,

Sarah Kittle

Managing Editor