New Regional Superior for Thailand
On 12 May 2026, Father General Arturo Sosa appointed Fr Francis Xavier Manasan Wongvarn, SJ, as the new Regional Superior of Thailand.
Born on 4 October 1981 in Bangkok, Fr Manasan entered the Society of Jesus in 2001. He studied philosophy at Ateneo de Manila University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2007. During his Regency, he served with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) at the Immigration Detention Center in Bangkok where he accompanied refugees and migrants. He later ministered as chaplain to Catholic students in Chiang Mai.
He went on to theology studies and completed a Bachelor of Sacred Theology at Loyola School of Theology and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Ateneo de Manila University in 2014. He was ordained to the priesthood on 24 May 2014. Following his ordination, he served as Assistant Pastor and later as Pastor at Xavier Hall Church in Bangkok, while also serving as Minister of the Xavier Hall Jesuit Residence.
In 2017, Fr Manasan continued his studies, earning a Master of Management in International Hospitality Management from Mahidol University International College. Two years later, he joined the retreat-giving staff of Seven Fountains Spirituality Center where he became involved in giving retreats and spiritual accompaniment.
Fr Manasan later pursued advanced studies in psychology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, earning a Licentiate in Psychology in 2022. Upon returning to Thailand, he resumed ministry at Seven Fountains Spirituality Center. Since August 2023, he has served as Director of the Center and Regional Treasurer in Chiang Mai, continuing his work in retreats and spiritual direction.
From January to July 2025, Fr Manasan completed his Tertianship in Melbourne and pronounced his Final Vows in April 2026. Fr Manasan will take up his new role as Regional Superior on 21 June 2026.
Fr Francis Xavier Manasan Wongvarn
New Regional Superior of Thailand
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