This year signifies a remarkable milestone in Saeng Tham’s history as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Since its inception, Saeng Tham has remained dedicated to fostering the growth of the church in Thai society, playing a vital role in the formation of seminarians from the country’s dioceses and from other religious congregations.
In 1972, in response to the demands of the Second Vatican Council, the establishment of centres for priestly formation was encouraged in each country. Subsequently, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand approved the opening of a major seminary, Lux Mundi Seminary, at Samphran Nakhon Pathom. A few years later, on 2 February 1975, Saeng Tham major seminary was officially opened, marking the establishment of Saeng Tham College as an institution of higher education.
From that moment forward, the Society of Jesus has been a partner in the growth of Saeng Tham College. Over the years, Jesuits have served as spiritual directors and professors. Saeng Tham’s commitment to learning and serving, focusing on educating future church leaders within Thailand’s diverse communities, has been a privilege for the Society to support and aligns seamlessly with her vision.
From its humble beginnings, Saeng Tham has grown to become a nurturing ground for young minds, embodying the Jesuit ideals of academic excellence, social responsibility, and spiritual growth. The collaboration between the Society of Jesus and Saeng Tham has yielded remarkable outcomes, fostering an environment where students not only excel academically but also develop a profound sense of compassion, empathy, and service to others.
Saeng Tham’s goal is to form mature, well-educated men for the priesthood–men of deep faith, simplicity of life, kindness, humility, peace, and service–true shepherds and evangelists of the Good News. This mission enriches the fabric of the institution, shaping individuals into not just scholars but compassionate leaders committed to serving their communities and the church.
The partnership between Saeng Tham and the Jesuits was further strengthened with the incorporation of Xavier Learning Community, the Jesuit higher education institution in Chiang Rai, as part of Saeng Tham College. During its meeting on 22 July 2022, the Saeng Tham College Board approved the establishment of Saeng Tham College’s Xavier Chiang Rai Campus, aiming to provide education and broaden educational opportunities for young people in Chiang Rai and the surrounding provinces. Subsequently, on 27 April 2023, the Saeng Tham College Council approved the opening of the Bachelor of Arts programme in English for Education, Religion, and Culture within the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Saeng Tham College, Xavier Chiang Rai Campus.
This anniversary has been an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the intertwined journey of Saeng Tham and the Jesuits, a testament to an enduring partnership and the profound impact collaboration can have in education and community building. We remember all the Jesuits who have worked at Saeng Tham, namely: Fr Pietro Cerutti SJ, who taught Church History; Fr Augustin Moling SJ who taught theology and served as spiritual director for many years; Fr Franz Reiterer SJ, who taught Philosophy; Fr Jean Barry SJ, who taught Counselling; and Fr Sigmund Laschenski SJ, who taught Theology and also served as spiritual director.
We also appreciate our Jesuits today, who followed in the footsteps of their brothers in serving Saeng Tham. Fr Sugiyo Pitoyo SJ continues to teach Philosophy. Fr Pichet Saengthien SJ teaches Ethics. Fr Kriangyot Piyawanno SJ teaches Inter-Religious Dialogue, Ecumenism, and Buddhist Traditions. Fr Miguel Garaizabal SJ teaches Spirituality and serves as spiritual director. And Fr Sigit Setyo Wibowo SJ teaches a course on Religious Studies.
As we celebrate this milestone, we continue to cherish and uphold the values that have been the cornerstone of Saeng Tham’s success, carrying forward the legacy of excellence and service for generations to come. [Jesuits in Thailand]