"I Have Called You Friends” (John 15:15)

The Society of Jesus in Thailand joyfully celebrates the ordination of a new deacon, Rev. Bein (Kringkrai Tesena), on October 24, 2026. He was ordained together with four other deacons from Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. This occasion is a moment of great joy, gratitude, and hope for the Church. Ordination to the diaconate marks an important step toward the priesthood and a deeper commitment to follow Jesus Christ through a life of service. At the heart of the diaconal ministry is not power or prestige, but humble and loving service to God’s people.

For almost five years, I have been studying in London, UK. I remember that I arrived in the UK on 27 September 2020, the ‘birthday’ anniversary of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuit Order was founded on the same day in 1540). It was a challenging period, as the COVID-19 pandemic had been continually circulating and causing fears and uncertainties in people’s lives worldwide. Although England was under strict lockdown at the time, I enjoyed staying with my Jesuit companions at Copleston House, a Jesuit residence in northern London. This house is dedicated to Fr. Frederick Copleston SJ, a renowned English Jesuit philosopher. We cheerfully helped each other take care of the house and prepare meals.

As someone who loves learning languages and linguistics, I take great pleasure in exploring the roots and origins of words. The special word of the day is obedience. This word does not simply mean to do or follow whatever a master or leader tells you. It comes from the Latin oboedire (“to hear, to listen”), from ob- (“to”) and audire (“to hear”). In Medieval English, it meant “a willingness to serve” or “to fulfill an obligation.” By around 1200, it had come to mean the “practice or virtue of submission to a higher power or authority (Harper, n.d.).”

At the Novitiate in 2009, I made my first vow to enter the Society of Jesus. Sixteen years later, the opportunity to become a permanent member of the Society was offered. The invitation for the final vows made me pause to reflect on the long journey that had unfolded over those years. This long journey provided many experiences and struggles that tested the promises I had made. After my contemplation, I became convinced that God is calling me to serve Him through the Society of Jesus.