The Catholic Student Network of Thailand
"You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me" (Jn 15:27). These words of Jesus remained close to my heart throughout my time at the 40th National Catholic Youth Camp, held from October 12–16, 2026, at Rai Wananurak Scout Camp, Wang Nam Khieo District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, hosted by the Diocese of Nakhon Ratchasima.
I arrived in the United States on August 8, 2026, after 28 hours of travel from Chiang Mai. Fr. Minister James Erps welcomed us and led us to our residence. I belong to Saint Mary's Hall, where I live in a satellite house called Koska. Saint Mary's Hall is a large community of 61 members, made up of 60 priests and one scholastic, most of whom are professors at Boston College. I am pursuing an M.A. in Higher Education with a concentration in Faith, Formation and Spirituality at Boston College. After a little more than a month, I am gradually becoming familiar with the weather and the academic environment. Two things have impressed me, and one challenge has marked my intellectual journey.
Father Olivier Morin S.J. was born in Nantes, France, on December 8, 1938. After his schooling, he had several jobs and many experiences before he decided to enter the Society of Jesus on October 5, 1963 [63 years ago]. He took his first vows in 1965, and later said that he considered this the most important day in his life. He was ordained to the Priesthood on July 3, 1971 [55years ago], and later said that this was the second most important day in his life.
‘I am happy to have this time with you, my very first trip to Thailand!”
This was the opening speech by Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, the Jesuit Superior General, during his meeting with the Jesuits in Thailand on July 22, 2026. Indeed, this was his first visit to Thailand, during which, for over a week, he described himself as ‘a pilgrim’ seeking to learn about the Society’s missions in this Region. Alongside Fr. General, there were Fr. José Magadia, SJ (the Regional Assistant for Asia-Pacific), Fr. Tomasz Kot, SJ (the Regional Assistant for East/Central Europe), and Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ (from the Communication Office in Rome).
The Society of Jesus was founded in 1540 by Saint Ignatius Loyola and his companions. The mission of the Jesuits is a mission of justice and reconciliation, working so that women and men can be reconciled with God, with themselves, with each other and with God’s creation.
