On March 15, the Chaldean Community Foundation hosted its Second Annual National Civics Bee® local competition. The National Civics Bee® is an annual, nonpartisan competition designed to inspire young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Students in grades 6-8 entered by submitting an essay showcasing their civic knowledge.
Read MoreAs we celebrate this season of Easter, we are reminded of the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and light over darkness. This issue highlights the work of Pope Francis, who recently faced a health scare that led to his hospitalization. As of the date of publication, the Holy Father is back at the Vatican, where he belongs. His resilience reminds us of the importance of faith, prayer, and perseverance in times of trial.
Read MoreIf you meet my brother Joey, you won’t forget him. He’ll introduce himself, ask your name, and from that moment on, he’ll remember you. He’s not just friendly—he’s genuinely interested in people. He wants to know who you are, what you like, and how your day is going. And he wants to be your friend.
Read MoreThe Office of Life is a Pro-Life ministry dedicated to upholding the dignity and value of every human life. Central to this mission is a strong focus on supporting individuals with special needs and their families, ensuring they feel embraced and valued within the community. The ministry’s Special Needs Committee works to promote awareness and acceptance, celebrating the inherent beauty and worth of every life, regardless of ability.
Read MoreThe early 1900s marked the “Progressive Era” in the United States, a period known for welcoming more than 15 million immigrants over 15 years. These newcomers came from around the world, with a significant portion hailing from non-English-speaking European countries. Among them were some of the earliest Chaldean immigrants, arriving during this time—or, in the case of Zia Atala, even a bit earlier.
Read MoreRon Acho doesn’t really see himself as a businessman. Had he achieved his dream as a young man, he’d be heading a large grocery franchise. “I wanted to be president of A&P,” he says, only half-jokingly. Ron’s journey to the courtroom began decades earlier, when he shared a house with, among others, Mike George’s mom, and the Chaldean community in Detroit numbered only in the hundreds.
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During our diplomatic visit to Iraq, led by the president of the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce and Chaldean Foundation, Mr. Martin Manna, I made a personal decision—I would not leave Baghdad without visiting my mother’s gravesite. On February 24, our final day in Baghdad, I excused myself after our last scheduled meeting at around 4 o’clock and visited the Christian cemetery near Sahat al-Tayran, just behind the famous Freedom Monument (Nasib Al-Hurriya) in the heart of the city.
Read MoreThe saying “home is where the heart is” rings true for many, but what happens when rising housing prices make owning or renting a home unattainable? The recovery from the 2008 economic crisis was slow in Michigan, with metro Detroit facing challenges such as economic instability and population loss. In the early 2000s, the region began to see a gradual rebound.
Read MoreFor the first time since 2017, Catholics and Orthodox will stand together in proclaiming the Resurrection of Christ on the same day. Though this has occurred occasionally—most recently in 2017, 2014, 2011, and 2010—these shared celebrations are rare due to differences in calendar calculations. Easter is the foundation of Christianity, the ultimate victory of life over death, and in 2025, all who follow Christ will proclaim that in one voice.
Read MoreRecently, the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) secured approval for the rehabilitation of the Sacred Heart Church in Tel Keppe. The Governor of Nineveh, Mr. Abdul Qadir Dakheel, approved the request submitted through the CCF in Iraq by His Excellency Archbishop Najib Mikhael, the Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul, to rehabilitate the Sacred Heart Church and its annexed church, Mary the Virgin, in Tel Keppe.
Read MoreSue Kattula was honored by the Detroit Duchess Club at Madonna University for her incredible dedication to community service. The evening featured inspiring speeches, cultural performances, and recognition of outstanding leaders making an impact.
Read MoreOn March 12, nearly 50 aspiring future educators attended an informational session with Utica Community Schools and Oakland University. The purpose of this session was to encourage these candidates to serve as paraprofessionals in UCS School District with the ultimate goal of pursuing a teaching certificate through Oakland University.
Read MoreEnglish is a comic and heartfelt play about language and identity, set in an Iranian classroom where adult English learners prepare for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam. The story is brought to life by Sarab Kamoo, who plays Marjan, the English teacher. As Marjan guides her students through their linguistic challenges, the play explores their dreams, frustrations, and secrets, highlighting the tension between learning “English only” and expressing their true selves.
Read MoreOn March 13, students from St. Catherine of Siena Academy’s Chaldean American Student Association (CASA) had the unique opportunity to tour the Chaldean Cultural Center Museum, where they were immersed in their own rich history and heritage.
Read MoreOn March 18, 2025, Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger was installed as the sixth Archbishop of Detroit during a 2 PM Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The ceremony marked the beginning of his leadership over the Archdiocese succeeding Archbishop Allen Vigneron, who resigned upon reaching the age of 75.
Read MoreThe TinyTots Health Initiative, founded in 2019 by Fadie Arabo, aims to empower young children with the knowledge and skills to lead healthier lives. Initially focused on dental health through interactive activities, the nonprofit has since expanded to cover general health topics such as nutrition, exercise, and hygiene.
Read MoreCommunity members who have recently passed away.
Read MoreThe Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) is expanding to reach across Woodward and establish a presence with the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) on Oakland County’s west side. Formerly known as The Corners, the property at Walnut Lake and Inkster Roads next to Market Square is being transformed into the new Chaldean Community Center, housing the CACC and administrative offices for the Foundation. Chamber staff has been calling it “CCF West” for a while.
Read More“The universal characteristic of a Chaldean woman is that she possesses strength because she is likely influenced by her mother and grandmother,” says Diane D’ Agostini, an influential Chaldean woman and first judge in the community. “These quiet leaders implement their vision and guide others. They appreciate that things did not come easy.”
Read MoreIn the chancel of Chaldean Catholic churches, the voices of angelic choirs echo. At church, home, or studio, for Chaldeans, singing is not simply an act of worship; it’s a bridge between generations, a link to cultural identity, and a source of spiritual connection.
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