The Provincial Chapter for the Redemptorists Province of Thailand took place from November 21 to 24, 2022, in Minburi, Bangkok, with fifty-four confreres having attended. At this significant gathering, Fr. Peter Jittapol Plangklang, C.Ss.R., was elected Provincial Superior for the 2023-2026 term. Born June 26, 1980, in the old Catholic village of Tharae, Sakon Nakhon province, Fr. Peter Jittapol first entered the Redemptorist minor seminary at 12 years old. He made his first profession and perpetual profession in 2000 and 2004, respectively. He was ordained a deacon in 2008 and then a priest in 2009.
Fr. Peter Jittapol holds a BA in Humanities (Philosophy and Religion) from Saengtham College, Thailand; an MA in Theology (Religious Education) from Ateneo de Davao, Philippines; an MA in Christian Spirituality (Spiritual Direction) from Fordham University, U.S.; and an MSEd (School and Mental Health Counseling) from the University of Pennsylvania, U.S. He has also earned a Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership as well as a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University, U.S., and is also a counselor, certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc., U.S. (NBCC).
In past years, Fr. Peter Jittapol was assigned to serve in various ministries, covering a wide range of areas, including parish, youth, education, formation, media and social work. He has also taught college-level Homiletics and Mental Health. At present, Fr. Peter Jittapol serves as the Director of Ruamrudee International School (RIS) and as the Mental Health Counselor at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Thailand. In addition to these roles, he continues to give talks, seminars, and workshops in the areas of Spirituality, Psychology, Mental Health, and Leadership across the country.
In addition to Fr. Peter Jittapol, the new Provincial Council includes Fr. Joseph Prud Thipthong, C.Ss.R., as Vicar, and Fr. Joseph Puwanai Tantikun, C.Ss.R., as the Second Consultor. They are also joined by four other Senators (Extraordinary Consultors) — Fr. Joseph Apisit Kritsaralam, C.Ss.R., Fr. Paul Sukhum Thanasigha, C.Ss.R., Br. Alphonsus Athikhom Boonmaneeprasert, C.Ss.R., and Fr. John Pongsak Narinrak, C.Ss.R.
Established in 1948 by the American missionaries of Denver Province, the foundation in Thailand will celebrate 75 years of its presence in 2023. The Redemptorists Province of Thailand consists of 66 professed confreres — 1 bishop, 53 priests, 4 brothers, and 8 professed students. There are also currently 4 novices and 17 postulants in the formation programs. The Redemptorists are present in 2 archdioceses and 5 dioceses, living and working in 9 canonical houses, 1 residence, and 1 mission station in Laos.
CSsR Thailand Media Team
