The new Chaldean Patriarch, His Beatitude Louis Raphael I Sako, (on Bishop Dunn’s right) the spiritual leader of Chaldean Catholics throughout the world, visited New Zealand last week for the first time since his elevation to the Patriarchal See in January 2013.
Patriarch Sako, who is based in Bagdhad, Iraq, was accompanied by a number of prelates of the Chaldean Church from around the world, including the Archbishop of Australia and New Zealand, the Most Reverend Jibrael Kassab.
On Friday morning Patriarch Sako and the bishops who are travelling with him met with Bishop Pat Dunn of Auckland and members of the Auckland diocesan Council of Priests at the diocesan headquarters, Pompallier Centre, and were joined by members of the Chaldean community.
His Beatitude addressed the gathering and thanked Bishop Dunn for his support.
They later travelled to Hamilton to celebrate Mass at St Columba’s Church and celebrated a solemn Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Saturday afternoon.
There are over 3,000 Chaldean Catholics in New Zealand, mainly in Auckland, but also in Hamilton and Wellington and His Beatitude’s visit was timed to observe the 10th anniversary of the establishment of St Addai’s Chaldean Catholic church in South Auckland.
While in Rome for Pope Francis’ inaugural Mass in March he had an audience with the pope. “He asked me to pray for him,” His Beatitude explained. “And I invited him to visit us in Iraq. The pontiff said he looks forward to visiting our country, which is also where Abraham began his journey. His visit would inspire us with courage and hope.”
It is reported that Patriarch Sako is “struck by the pope’s simplicity and spontaneity”.
Image: NZ Catholic – used with permission.