‘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.)

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.

In his latest Apostolic Letter of October 27, 2025, “DRAWING NEW MAPS OF HOPE” Pope Leo XIV says: “On the sixtieth anniversary of Gravissimum educationis (Vatican II), the Church celebrates a fruitful educational history, but also faces the imperative of updating her offerings in light of the signs of the times … The Second Vatican Council reminded the Church that education is not an ancillary activity, but forms the very fabric of evangelization: it is the concrete way in which the Gospel becomes an educational gesture, a relationship, a culture” (1.1), the Pope said.