Chaldean Rite Mass celebrated on COB Basra

Source: The Red Bull news

By Spc. Samuel Soza
Sunday, 24 January 2010

COB BASRA, Iraq – Service members, civilians, and contractors joined acting Bishop of Basrah, Imad al-Banna, as he conducted Mass according to the Chaldean rite in the new chapel, here, Jan. 16.
“The reason was to continue a relationship begun by our allies,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John Morris, 34th Infantry Division chaplain.
According to the Afton, Minn. native, the tradition of coalition forces attending and hosting religious ceremonies with the local religious community is part of an important association in the stabilization of the country.
“Hosting Mass is a way to foster that relationship,” said Morris.
Morris described the acting bishop’s involvement in helping develop Basrah’s civil capacities -- such as the three schools in Basrah that teach children from all faiths -- as a “tremendous asset”.
Since April, the 34th Inf. Div. has hosted the Chaldean Mass three times – twice at Contingency Operating Base Basra and once at COB Adder.
Al-Banna, a native of Basrah, is a strategic leader in United States Division-South.
He leads Christian communities in Basrah, Amarah, Nasiriyah and al-Kut. He is also a significant national leader and has met in the past with Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani and Prime Minister Nouri Kamel al-Maliki, said Morris.
Morris said he hoped the service would give Soldiers experience with a “diverse and ancient culture”.
“They have 1,800 years of continued existence in Iraq and represent a more ancient people, the Chaldeans, who have a recorded 6,000-year-old history,” he said.
He also said that he hoped the service would be spiritually encouraging for those in attendance and that by sharing in religious fellowship they could enhance the relationship between the Americans and the Iraqis.
“I find it very moving, very inspiring,” he said.
Al-Banna took the place of the actual bishop of Basrah, who fled to Australia in March 2008 after receiving threats during the time of the “Charge of the Knights” operation.
The operation was the first Iraqi Army-led operation and aimed to drive the Mahdi army out of the area.
Morris said that sharing in religious ceremonies is only a small part of a much larger picture.
“I think this has dimensions beyond Mass. It has to do with religious freedom,” he said, “It has to do with the protections of minorities in the new Iraq. It has to do with healthy stability.”

Iraqi Priest Serves People of Basra

Source: DVIDS

Multi-National Division-South
by Sgt. Frank Vaughn

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – Though small in stature, his smile and his presence filled the room as he entered. He paused to shake hands and exchange kisses with U.S. military leaders. He posed for a few photographs, then settled into a couch to begin a meeting with Maj. Gen. Richard Nash, commanding general, Multi-National Division-South, and key members of his staff.

Bishop Imad Al Banna, a Chaldean priest and native of Basra, came to Contingency Operating Base Basra, July 13, to share insight with Nash and his staff on his efforts to minister to the people of Basra.

"I work for all people in Basra, not only Christians," said Al Banna, who is officially recognized by the Roman Catholic Church as acting Archbishop of Basra. "Our goal is to create a peaceful coexistence among all religions."

Lt. Col. John Morris, command chaplain, 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, said Al Banna has endured hardship while working to make this vision a reality. "There was a peaceful coexistence until [Operation Iraqi Freedom] began in 2003," said Morris. "Things got worse starting in 2005 and peaked in 2008. He stayed through all the violence and continued to work. This is a great example of a faithful shepherd."

Al Banna is responsible for a number of humanitarian initiatives in Basra presently, including two schools and a pharmacy. "We give free medicine to sick people in Basra," Al Banna said. "We give 97 percent of our medicine to Muslim patients and 3 percent to Christians."The schools are also predominantly used by Muslims in Basra, according to Al Banna. The aim of these institutions is to cultivate a generation of Iraqis who are both educated and aware of their roles in society. "We do this to support students in Basra and give a good foundation of language, values and social behavior," Al Banna said. "Our children are the future and hope of Iraq."

Al Banna said he believes his message of values and respect are making a difference in Basra. "When the priest gives people a good foundation of instructions and values, they have to respond very positively to me," he said. "These teachings [are meant to] reach all people in society."Al Banna said he is grateful for the positive feedback he receives from Christians and Muslims alike in Basra. He vowed to continue his work among the people in his community. Though these ministry initiatives are aimed at people of all faiths in Basra, Al Banna also provides ministry through the Chaldean Christian Church to members and officiates services there on a regular basis. "We have activities for college students, choirs and a program that resembles Sunday School on Fridays," he said. "We also participate in an international Catholic charity organization through our church."Whether ministering to Christians, Muslims or some other faith group within Basra, Al Banna has dedicated his life to one thing: serving the people of Basra and improving their quality of life.