Newly ordained Fr Pii (2nd row, 6th from left) and Fr Jen (1st row, 2nd from left)
The Society of Jesus in Thailand celebrated the ordinations of two new Jesuit priests: Fr Tharadol Dongyasopa, known as Fr Jen, and Fr Sadudee Dumrongkitmongkol, known as Father Pii. Though shaped by different experiences, their unique journeys reflect the same deep calling—to love and serve others through the priesthood.
On 21 June, at Christ the King Church, Chang Ming, in the Archdiocese of Thare and Nonseng, Fr Jen was ordained by Most Rev Anthony Weradet Chaiseri. In the days leading up to the ordination, heavy rains caused concern, but through God’s grace, the day itself was perfect—clear skies, cool air, and no rain. The entire community gathered in joy and reverence to celebrate this sacred milestone.
Bishop Chaiseri expressed his heartfelt joy, emphasising how meaningful it was to ordain the first Jesuit priest in northeastern Thailand. He shared his hope that Fr Jen would serve the Church and God’s people with joy and dedication.
Fr Jen shared that his vocation was not a coincidence but a heartfelt response to God’s call—one that was nurtured from childhood by his mother and family. In his early years, he would attend Mass simply to avoid being scolded in the morning, unaware that those small acts were quietly drawing him closer to God. Over time, this foundation led him to recognise and embrace his calling, supported by many who saw his deep love for service. The ordination ceremony was filled with God’s presence and grace, as a large crowd gathered in worship, celebration, and thanksgiving.
A week later, on 28 June, Fr Sadudee Dumrongkitmongkol (Father Pii) was ordained alongside three other men—two from the Betharram Missionary Congregation and one from the Chiang Mai Diocese—at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Chiang Mai by Most Rev Joseph Vuthilert Haelom, Bishop of Chiang Rai.
In his ordination booklet, Father Pii shared how, from a young age, he had been searching for a deeper meaning in life. When his parents spoke to him about what his future might look like, the typical life pattern—being born, growing up, working, starting a family, and eventually dying—felt empty and purposeless to him.
His perspective shifted through the stories of his parents about the missionaries who came to their village. These men and women worked with the local people, taught them, served them, and lived lives full of love and selflessness. Though Fr Pii never met them himself, their example passed down through stories inspired him deeply. He realised that a life of mission and service, rooted in love for others, held true meaning—and it was then that he began to sense God’s call.
His ordination ceremony was filled with joy and unity. Over 1,000 people attended, including representatives from diverse ethnic groups such as the Akha, Pgaz K’Nyau, Mong, and many others. It was a vibrant celebration of faith, diversity, and God’s calling.
May God bless Father Jen and Father Pii with fiery passion and gentle hearts, that they may continue to serve those in need with love and humility. The priesthood is a sacred and profound vocation—one that requires perseverance, a spirit of service, knowledge, flexibility, and compassion. We keep our new priests in our prayers, that they remain faithful to their mission of serving God and His people. We give thanks to God for their devoted families, whose faith and nurturing spirit helped shape their vocations and guided them toward God’s call.
