SOUTHFIELD — Bishop Ibrahim N. Ibrahim has been serving Chaldean Catholics across the United States for the past 32 years, but the time has come to pass the torch, he said.

“I am really grateful to God that I was able to serve our people to the best of my capacity,” said Bishop Ibrahim, who heads the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, based in Southfield.

The 76-year-old bishop’s resignation was accepted by Pope Francis and announced by Archbishop Carlo Vigano, the Vatican’s nuncio to the United States, on May 3. It is a significant milestone for the Eastern Catholic diocese, which was founded in 1982 with Bishop Ibrahim as its first bishop. The same day, Archbishop Vigano also announced the appointment of Fr. Frank Kalabat, pastor of St. Thomas (Chaldean) Parish in West Bloomfield, as Bishop Ibrahim’s successor.

Fr. Kalabat, 43, who will be ordained June 14 at Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church in Southfield, is also the founder of the Metro Detroit-based Eastern Catholic Re-Evangelization Center. He was born in Kuwait and grew up in San Diego, beginning his studies for the seminary at St. Francis de Sales Center in San Diego, and pursuing theological studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.

His past service also includes being associate pastor of Mother of God Parish in Southfield and serving as the eparchy’s director of vocations.

Bishop Ibrahim told The Michigan Catholic that the Eastern Catholic diocese with significant roots in the Middle East — mainly in Iraq — has grown enormously since its founding.

He explained that his intention from the very beginning was to “serve the people of God and give them the teaching of Jesus Christ, especially to carry on their Catholic faith that they brought from the old country.”

Bishop Ibrahim expressed his gratitude to have seen so many first-generation Chaldean men bring about an increase in priestly vocations for the Chaldean community.

“We are grateful that we have good numbers at Sacred Heart Major Seminary,” he said, adding that he is also grateful to the Archdiocese of Detroit “for their dedication to the priesthood and to preparing young people for the service of the Church.”

While Fr. Kalabat could not be reached for comment after the news of his appointment, Bishop Ibrahim said he looks forward to what Fr. Kalabat will bring to the eparchy. “I am happy that Fr. Frank was appointed the second bishop of St. Thomas,” he said.

Fr. Kalabat was the second Chaldean seminarian during Bishop Ibrahim’s tenure, and Bishop Ibrahim himself ordained Fr. Kalabat in 1995. According to his online biography, Fr. Kalabat was the first U.S.-born Chaldean to enter an American seminary.

“It (will be) good now to participate in his ordination as co-consecrator on June 14,” added Bishop Ibrahim. Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron has also been invited to participate in the ordination Mass.

The joy at Fr. Kalabat’s appointment was shared by Sr. Therese Shikwana, a Chaldean sister in the order of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate.

Sr. Shikwana has served the Chaldean community alongside Fr. Kalabat for the past 13 years, including leading first Communion preparation, religious education and Bible studies, she said.

“He is a humble man, very dedicated to his work,” Sr. Shikwana said. “His main concern is to be close to God. He spends a lot of time before the Blessed Sacrament, and encourages people to spend time (there) too.”

Sr. Shikwana said Fr. Kalabat has done great work as a pastor, and encourages whole families to attend Mass together — which they do.

“He is always leading you closer to God, teaching you how to carry your cross,” she said.

Today, there are an estimated 150,000 Catholics in the eparchy, whose jurisdiction covers the eastern half of the United States. Seven of its nine parishes, as well as its headquarters and a mission, are in Michigan.

--Catholic News Service contributed to this story.