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.

This month marks a truly grace-filled and historic moment for our community. For the very first time during his generalate, Father General Arturo Sosa, SJ, walked among us in Thailand. His visit brought an overwhelming sense of joy, deep connection, and spiritual consolation to Jesuits, our dedicated lay collaborators, and the many friends who weave the fabric of our Ignatian spirituality.

‘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).

On behalf of friends, brothers and sisters, students, camp members, the Xavier community, and all who love Father Wichai — our beloved “Father Pae (พ่อ แป)” — I would like to offer these words. (At first, I intended to recall his “love at first sight” story during his time at Khon Kaen University, his experience working in the mines in Ranong, and even his favorite chameleon — but Father has already shared these stories in his homily.)