It is with great joy and gratitude that we share the wonderful news that Father Chris Middleton SJ, our College Rector, has been appointed by Father General as the new Provincial of the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus. Father Chris will formally commence this important new ministry of leadership and service on 1 January 2027.
On behalf of the Xavier College community, we extend our warmest congratulations to Father Chris on this significant appointment. It is a wonderful recognition of his faith, wisdom, leadership and deep commitment to the mission of the Society of Jesus. While we are delighted for Father Chris and the Australian Jesuit Province, we will undoubtedly feel the loss of his daily presence and leadership within our College community.
During his time as Rector of Xavier College, Father Chris has made an outstanding contribution to the lives of our students, families and staff. His presence among us has been a source of encouragement, guidance and inspiration, strengthening our understanding of what it means to be a Jesuit school and to live faithfully the Ignatian tradition that has shaped Xavier since 1878.
Through his pastoral care, thoughtful leadership and genuine concern for others, Father Chris has continually reminded us that the heart of our mission lies in the people we accompany, the relationships we nurture and the love of Christ we seek to make present in our world. His commitment to cura personalis — care for the whole person — has been evident in the way he engages with our students, supports our staff, welcomes our families and contributes to the spiritual life of the College.
Father Chris has been a gift to the Xavier community. His warmth, humility, generosity of spirit and deep faith have enriched our community in countless ways. He has encouraged us to look beyond ourselves, to remain attentive to the needs of others and to embrace our shared responsibility to form young men who will become men for others. His leadership has strengthened our Jesuit identity and reminded us that our mission is not simply about the work we undertake, but about how we accompany one another and respond to God's call with generosity and hope.
As Father Chris prepares to embrace this new responsibility, we recognise the significance of the ministry entrusted to him. As Provincial, he will be called to accompany and guide Jesuit priests, brothers and lay companions across Australia, discerning the needs of the Province and strengthening its mission in the Church and the wider community. We have every confidence that he will bring to this important role the same wisdom, compassion, discernment and commitment that have characterised his leadership at Xavier.
We invite our entire College community to keep Father Chris in our prayers as he prepares for this next chapter of service. May the Lord bless him with wisdom and courage, humility and generosity, and the grace to discern God's will as he leads and accompanies the Australian Jesuit Province in the years ahead. May Our Lady of the Way and St Ignatius continue to guide and sustain him in his ministry.
While this appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Father Chris, his contribution to Xavier College will remain part of our story. We are deeply grateful for the privilege of having shared in his leadership, friendship and faith, and for the many ways he has helped us grow as a community committed to the mission of Jesus Christ.
Father Chris, we thank you for all that you have given to Xavier College. We congratulate you wholeheartedly on your appointment and wish you every success, fulfilment and happiness as you take up this important ministry.
Father Chris has indicated that he plans to remain resident in the Xavier Jesuit community, and where possible, will continue to be involved and assist at Xavier on a part-time basis. Details of the appointment of a new Rector at Xavier will be communicated when this is known.
May God continue to bless Father Chris abundantly in the years ahead.
With warmest congratulations and every blessing,
- Lee MacMaster, Principal and Kathleen Donnellon Chair of College Board.
