*Fr Chris Middleton SJ. PHOTO: Australian Jesuits website*

Fr Chris Middleton SJ has been appointed as the new Provincial of the Australian Jesuits, bringing extensive experience in educational leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of the Church in the world to his new role.

Announcing Father General’s appointment, current Provincial Fr Quyen Vu SJ asked for prayers for Fr Chris as he prepares to assume his new role.

“I warmly invite you to join me in praying for Chris as he prepares to embrace this important ministry of leadership and service”, said Fr Quyen. “May the Lord bless him with wisdom, courage, humility and generosity of spirit, and grant him the grace to discern God’s will as he accompanies and guides our Province in the years ahead.”

Fr Chris has spent much of his ministry in Jesuit schools and university colleges across Australia.

He was born in Orange, NSW, and was a boarder at St Stanislaus’ College in Bathurst where his vocation was first nurtured among the Vincentian priests, along with his passion for education.

He joined the Jesuits in 1976, and his formative experiences in the Society included regency at St Aloysius’ College in Sydney. He was ordained in Orange in 1989, before working with university students, first as chaplain at Newman College in Melbourne, then as Vice-Rector at St Leo’s College in Brisbane.

After completing his Master’s in Education in the United States, Fr Chris was appointed Rector and Deputy Headmaster at Saint Ignatius’ College in South Australia in 1998, and then became Principal of St Aloysius’ College in Sydney in 2003. He served 11 years as principal of the school, before being appointed Rector of Xavier College in 2014. Fr Chris has taught history throughout his time in schools, has strongly promoted the Kairos Retreat across all three schools, worked closely with student leaders, and drawn links between Ignatian spirituality and student wellbeing.

In addition to his experience in schools, Fr Chris has provided insightful leadership in public conversation on issues related to religion and human rights. In 2007, he founded The Benenson Society, an organisation which promotes human rights in the tradition of Peter Benenson, founder of Amnesty International.

He has also served as Province Consultor and was the Province Procurator at the Congregation of Procurators in Nairobi in 2012. He is a member of the Board of the Friday Night School at Richmond and The Cardoner Network.

Fr Chris will begin his new ministry from 1 January 2027.

“I ask you to offer Chris your prayers, encouragement and wholehearted support as he takes up this important responsibility,” said Fr Quyen.