Meet the New Priest: Marcus Shammami

Ordained by Bishop Francis, July 4

Age: 26
Parents: Khalid and Muna Shammami
Home Parish: St. Thomas Chaldean Church (West Bloomfield, Michigan) 
First Assignment: Holy Martyrs Chaldean Church (Sterling Heights, Michigan)
Mass of Thanksgiving (First Mass):
Sunday, July 5, at 10:30 AM (English Mass) at St. Thomas in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

Who is your favorite Saint and why?

One of my favorite saints is St. Isaac of Nineveh. He was a monk-hermit who lived in southern Mesopotamia during the 7th century. One of the early Chaldean Church patriarchs, while visiting his region, met Isaac and was struck by his holiness, so he brought him back to be the bishop of Nineveh. He only remained bishop for a few months, leaving his seat to return to the mountains in solitude once more.

His writings and homilies are filled with much spiritual richness and wisdom, often speaking of the mystery of God and about the all-enveloping love that God has towards creation.

What were you doing before you entered the seminary?

I was a student at Wayne State University studying History while working as a waiter at a steakhouse. After three years at Wayne State, I stopped pursuing my degree and entered the seminary.

When did you first start to think about the priesthood?

It was a gradual process, but I first started thinking about the priesthood late in high school when I began to explore my faith in a deeper way and became more involved with the Church. The more I began to know the person of Jesus Christ, the more I wanted to give my all and serve Him. 

How did your parents/family react when you entered the seminary?

They weren’t as receptive to the idea at first, especially considering that I am the only son in the family, but now they’re really happy about my decision and have come around full circle. 

What will you miss most about the seminary?

I enjoyed the community aspect of seminary life, including the friends I’ve made, the classes, and the structured lifestyle. I am going to miss seminary a great deal but at the same time, you’re not called to be a seminarian, you’re called to be a priest. 

What do you think is the greatest challenge facing the Chaldean community in America?

One big challenge facing our community in America is losing our cultural uniqueness in the midst of “American Culture.” It’s one of the side effects of becoming more Americanized. If we don’t preserve our heritage and traditions in the United States and abroad, we may risk losing that which binds us so closely to our Church and faith. We must understand what the Chaldean Catholic Church is, what makes it unique, and to keep fast and close to those traditions. 

What excites you the most about becoming a priest?

I am most excited about being able to celebrate the Sacraments, especially celebrating the Order of the Divine Mysteries (Mass) and the sacrament of reconciliation (confession). These are two Sacraments which helped me to realize the love and mercy of God in my own life.