Fr Chris Middleton SJ has been appointed as the new provincial of the Australian Jesuits, succeeding Fr Quyen Vu SJ who has been in the role since 2021.
Fr Middleton will bring extensive experience in educational leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of the Church in the world to his new role.
Announcing Fr Middleton’s appointment, Fr Vu asked for prayers for the new provincial 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,” Fr Vu said.
“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 Middleton has spent much of his ministry in Jesuit schools and university colleges across Australia.
He was born in Orange, New South Wales, 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 Middleton was appointed rector and deputy headmaster at St Ignatius’ College in South Australia in 1998, and then became principal of St Aloysius’ College in Sydney in 2003, where he served for 11 years. He was appointed rector of Xavier College in Melbourne in 2014.’
In addition to his experience in schools, Fr Middleton 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.
Fr Middleton will begin his new ministry from January 1, 2027.
“I ask you to offer Chris your prayers, encouragement and wholehearted support as he takes up this important responsibility,” Fr Vu said.
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Fr Chris Middleton SJ appointed Provincial (Australian Jesuits)
