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By Baghdadhope
Source: Ankawa.com
In the Chaldean church of Saint Therese in Basra the Chaldean Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Emmanuel III Delly, accompanied by the vicar Msgr. Shleimun Warduni, celebrated the chorepiscopal ordination of Father Imad Aziz Al Banna already patriarchal procurator for the Diocese of Basra. "Deservedly" so said the Patriarch Delly referring to the diligent and active presence of Father Al Banna alongside the Chaldean families that remained in the Iraqi city. Presence that has become particularly important since 2006 when the former Bishop of Basra, Archbishop Kassab Jibrail, was appointed to guide the first Eparchy of Australia and New Zealand which has the title of "St. Thomas the Apostle of Sydney of the Chaldeans."
The Diocese of Basra has a long history. Erected in the fifth century under the title of Archeparchy of Perat-Maishan in 1954 assumed that of Archeparchy of Basra and was entrusted to Bishop Joseph Gogué. Now, since 2006, is a vacant seat, but sooner or later, in the next Chaldean synod scheduled by the end of April or afterwards, the matter should be resolved. The calls that all Chaldean bishops made to their faithful fled abroad to return to their homes get also thruth the organization of the church, and Basra has an historical and symbolic importance to consider. It is the only Chaldean diocese in southern Iraq. The Iraq that has always seen the Christians live in all its parts, somthing that all firmly hope.
During his visit to Basra, the Patriarch also visited some churches and a nursery school run by the Nuns of the Presentation.
