Bishop Foley Catholic High School / Facebook (Left), Chaldean Diocese Video Screengrab / Youtube (Right)
CV NEWS FEED // Inspired by the work of Father Mike Schmitz, a priest in the Michigan-based Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle has teamed up with his bishop to host a daily podcast for one year that offers reflections and insights on Scripture, Detroit Catholic reported Feb. 4.
Father John Jaddou shared with Detroit Catholic that he had thought and prayed about starting a podcast for the Chaldean community similar to Ascension Press’ “The Bible in a Year” podcast, which features Fr. Schmitz. When he decided to move forward, he offered to collaborate with other clergy. The diocese’s eparch, Bishop Francis Y. Kalabat, “responded immediately and enthusiastically,” Detroit Catholic reported.
“If someone desires to hear God’s voice, then they need to read His word,” Fr. Jaddou told Detroit Catholic. “Whether that is reading or listening to a podcast that is a bit more accessible, praise the Lord. We are going to use technology to our advantage to preach and allow God to transform lives.”
Fr. Jaddou told CatholicVote in an email interview that Bishop Kalabat’s Diocesan mission is “to make Christ known to all!”
The podcast “is a part of this mission,” Fr. Jaddou said. “4th Century Church Father St. Jerome famously wrote ‘Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ.’”
Fr. Jaddou also commented on the importance of having a revival of love for Scripture.
“Jesus came to set the world ablaze with the Fire of His Love,” Fr. Jaddou told CatholicVote. “The Chaldean community is a strong, culturally Catholic force, but with first- and second-generation Chaldean-Americans growing up in a culture that relativizes truth and relegates faith to culture only, we see the need for a revival in knowing and loving God’s Word.”
He recalled that in John’s Gospel, Jesus prays that God the Father would sanctify His Church “in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17).
“My heart is for our people to believe not solely because they are Chaldean, but because they are lovers of God who loves them first (1 John 4:19),” Fr. Jaddou said. “The Bible is a revelation of the Love of God for His Creation. Every time I read His Word, I am pierced at the heart by the One who loves me with an everlasting love. Hebrews 4:12 says ‘The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.’”
The podcast, titled “Chaldean Diocese Bible in a Year (with Bp. Francis Kalabat & Fr. John Jaddou),” has released an episode regularly since the beginning of January. Fr. Jaddou said he and Bishop Kalabat alternate hosting the podcast and will eventually host some episodes together, according to Detroit Catholic.
Each episode covers readings from the Old Testament, the wisdom books, and the New Testament, offering personal reflections on them. The podcast is following the Augustine Institute’s Bible reading plan. Fr. Jaddou told CatholicVote that he especially likes that every day, the reading plan includes readings covering the Old Covenant and its fulfillment in the New Covenant.
The diocese’s Chaldean community has been very supportive and happy about the podcast, Fr. Jaddou told Detroit Catholic. He also shared with Detroit Catholic that working with Bishop Kalabat on the podcast has been a highlight, as they share a love of talking about Scripture and revelation.
“For many, the Bible can be very intimidating. Our prayer is that the ease and accessibility of this podcast be an open door to a relationship with God,” Fr. Jaddou told CatholicVote, later adding that receiving God’s Word every day is a blessing, regardless of where or when it is heard.
“Psalm 119:105 says ‘Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path,’” Fr. Jaddou said. “God’s Word will bless you and provide the foundation and direction we need to live a life in the Holy Spirit.”
The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with comments from Fr. Jaddou on Feb. 7 at 12:00 pm ET.
