On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the Chaldean Catholic Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle U.S.A. joyfully celebrated the priestly ordination of Rev. Fr. Brandon Elias and Rev. Fr. Lucian Gumma.

The ordination was celebrated by His Excellency Mar Francis Y. Kalabat, at Our Lady of Chaldeans Cathedral (Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church) in Southfield, Michigan. Through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, Fr. Brandon Elias and Fr. Lucian Gumma were ordained to the Sacred Priesthood to serve Christ and His Church.

The celebration was attended by clergy, religious, family members, friends, and faithful from across the Diocese, who gathered to pray for the newly ordained priests and to give thanks to God for the gift of their vocations.

The ordination followed an evening Holy Hour which took place the night before, during which the ordinands made their Profession of Faith and took part in the Ramsha prayers in preparation for their ordination.

As priests, Fr. Brandon Elias and Fr. Lucian Gumma now begin their ministry of proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the Divine Mysteries, administering the sacraments, and shepherding the faithful entrusted to their care.

The Chaldean Catholic Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle U.S.A. extends its heartfelt congratulations to Fr. Brandon and Fr. Lucian and assures them of our continued prayers as they begin their priestly ministry.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37–38)

Photography: Special thanks to Eileen McHugh (@1901foto) and Shantel Sheeka (@shantel_sheeka_photography).