Congratulations to our newly ordained Deacons, on February 04th, 2023,12 Jesuits were ordained to the diaconate by H.E. Card. Carlos Osoro Sierra, archbishop of Madrid, at Parish of Sagrado de Jesus Corazón y San Francisco de Borja. Among the 12 are 2 from the Thai region: Francis Xavier Phanthatraks Rueangswasdi SJ and David Sakda Saenbanchoedsuk SJ.

The Jesuits in Thailand and Vietnam rejoiced with the ordination to the priesthood of Deacons Matthew Narongrit Daorueangphadung SJ and Thomas Pham Ngo Hoang Dung SJ at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Chiang Mai on 27 August. Most Rev Francis Xavier Vira Appondratana, Bishop of Chiang Mai Diocese, presided over the liturgy together with the Bishop of Chiang Rai Diocese, Most Rev Joseph Vuthilert Haelom.

After our three novices spent two years at the Maria Della Strada Novitiate in Taunggyi, Myanmar, they professed their First Vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Vow Day Mass was held on 19th March 2022 at Holy Spirit Church, Seven Fountains, Chiang Mai,11:00 AM.

Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Bangkok, Cardinal Meechai, used to say that “the ordination of a Jesuit is like an elephant giving birth.” It is because they take quite a long time in their formation. I would say he is right, that the Jesuit’s formation takes a longer time, which is 11 to 12 years in our Thai region. There is no other reason than to take time to get a more profound experience of God and so prepare to serve the Church better. This is my second year in doing my theological study in Spain. And in this second year I have had an intensive program on Jesuit priesthood.