Chaldean priest, once kidnapped and beaten, becomes bishop

February 11, 2015

Father Basel Salim Yaldo, an Iraqi-born Chaldean Catholic priest who until recently ministered in Detroit, was ordained a bishop in Baghdad on February 6. He will serve in the patriarchal curial of the Chaldean Catholic Church.

In 2006, Bishop Yaldo, now 44, was kidnapped in Iraq, beaten by his captors, and released after three days, according to the Detroit Free Press.

The ordeal “brought me closer to God and strengthened my faith,” he said. “It also pushed me to be more serious and be more involved. [The] Virgin Mary was the one who helped me when I was kidnapped, and I’m sure she will help me in Iraq.”

 

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Further information:

• 2 metro Detroit Chaldean priests to be ordained bishops (Detroit Free Press)