Fr. Francis Minj Appointed New Provincial of Ranchi Jesuit Province

RANCHI — Rev. Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, has officially appointed Fr. Francis Minj, SJ, as the new Provincial of the Ranchi Jesuit Province. The announcement was made public through an official letter issued by the outgoing Provincial, Fr. Ajit Kumar Xess, SJ. Fr. Xess was recently appointed as the new leader for all Jesuit ministries across South Asia.

A Rich Educational and Spiritual Journey

Fr. Francis Minj brings decades of academic brilliance and pastoral leadership to his new role. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology from Berkeley, U.S.A., which he completed between 2004 and 2009. Prior to that, he earned his Master of Theology (M.Th.) from JD Pune.

His journey with the Society of Jesus began more than forty years ago:

1984: Entered the Novitiate at SSC Sitagarha, Hazaribagh.
1986: Took his First Vows.
1999: Ordained as a priest in Rengarih.
2010: Pronounced his Final Vows at JFCT Tarunoday, Arsande, Kanke.

Decades of Leadership and Service

Fr. Minj is highly respected for his extensive work in teaching and administration. He served as a Professor of Systematic Theology at JFCT Tarunoday from 2001 to 2003. Later, he took on major leadership roles at the same institute, serving as the Dean from 2010 to the present day, and additionally as the Superior since 2024. His early ministries also include regency periods in Lohardaga, Khunti, and Gumla, as well as diaconate ministry in Tongo.

Taking the Reins

Fr. Minj will now lead the religious order’s vast network of spiritual, social, and educational institutions across the region. Members of the community and well-wishers have begun sending their congratulations to his official email and mobile numbers to celebrate his new appointment.