The Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr Arturo Sosa, SJ, has appointed Fr Francis Minj, SJ, as the new Provincial of Ranchi Province. He assumed office on 24 September 2026, succeeding Fr Ajit Kumar Xess, SJ, who has been appointed the new President of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia (JCSA).

Fr Francis Minj entered the Society of Jesus in June 1984 at Sitagarha, Hazaribag, after completing his intermediate studies at St Xavier’s College, Ranchi. Following his First Vows, he pursued his Juniorate studies in Patna and completed his undergraduate degree in English at St Joseph’s College, Tamil Nadu, from 1987 to 1990. He subsequently undertook philosophical studies at Satya Nilayam, Chennai (1991–1993), followed by three years of Regency. His theological formation took place at Tarunoday, the Regional Jesuit Formation Centre for Theology (JFCT), Ranchi, and Vidyajyoti, Delhi.

Continuing his academic and theological formation, Fr Minj obtained a Master’s degree in Theology from Jnana Deepa, Pune, and later earned a doctorate in Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University, Berkeley, USA.

He was ordained a priest on 8 April 1999. After completing his Tertianship at Sitagarha in 2003, he pronounced his Final Vows on 2 February 2010.

Fr Minj has been actively involved in Jesuit theological education and formation for over two decades. Since 2001, he has served as a theology professor at Tarunoday. He became Director of the Jesuit Formation Centre for Theology (JFCT) in 2010 and has served as its Superior since 2024. He has also been a Province Consultor since 2017 and has contributed to the wider mission of the Society through his membership in five commissions of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia.

His leadership and contribution to the Society have also been recognised at the universal level. In 2016, he participated as an elector at the 36th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus. In 2023, he was elected Procurator for the Procurators’ Congregation.

With his rich experience in theological education, Jesuit formation, administration and Conference-level responsibilities, Fr Francis Minj brings valuable experience to his new mission as Provincial of Ranchi. His appointment marks a new chapter in the life and mission of the Ranchi Province as it continues to respond to the apostolic priorities of the Society of Jesus.

The Jesuit Conference of South Asia wishes Fr Francis Minj every blessing as he assumes this important responsibility and expresses gratitude to Fr Ajit Kumar Xess for his service to Ranchi Province, wishing him well in his new responsibility as President of JCSA.

Reported by Fr. Vernard Antony, SJ, JCSA Communications Coordinator