Mangaluru, Oct 29: Fr Ronald Pais, SJ, has been appointed the new Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru, succeeding Fr Brian Pereira, SJ, who has been appointed Provincial of the Karnataka Jesuit Province.
The appointment was announced by Fr Arturo Abascal Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, in a letter dated October 28, 2026 (KAR 2026/25).
Fr Ronald brings to his new responsibility a rich blend of pastoral experience, Jesuit formation, educational administration, spiritual accompaniment and leadership. His academic background in counselling and psychology further strengthens his preparation for guiding the St Aloysius community, with its emphasis on academic excellence, personal development and holistic education.
A Journey of Jesuit Formation and Learning
Hailing from Dornahalli in the Diocese of Mysuru, Fr Ronald joined the Society of Jesus on June 16, 2000, at the novitiate in Anand Jyothi, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. He pronounced his First Vows on June 21, 2002.
He completed his Juniorate in Thiruvananthapuram (2002–2003), pursued his Bachelor of Arts degree in Dharwad (2003–2006), and studied philosophy at Jnana Deepa, Pune (2006–2008). He subsequently completed his theological studies in Berkeley, United States (2009–2012).
He was ordained a priest on December 8, 2012. Following his Tertianship at Sitagarha, Hazaribagh, in 2016, he pronounced his Final Vows on March 10, 2019.
Fr Ronald holds a Master of Science degree in Counselling and Psychology from Sampoorna Montfort College, Bengaluru, completed in 2019. His professional development includes specialised training in multidimensional approaches to pain and trauma at CCPI, Hyderabad, in 2023, and an Ignatian Leadership Programme at Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur, in 2022.
His academic and spiritual formation equips him to foster personal growth, emotional well-being, meaningful relationships and collaborative leadership within educational and religious communities.
Diverse Experience in Pastoral Ministry and Leadership
Over the years, Fr Ronald has undertaken a range of responsibilities in pastoral ministry, Jesuit formation, spirituality, education and institutional administration.
Following his ordination, he served in pastoral ministry at St Philomena’s Church, Mysuru (2012–2013). He subsequently worked as Vocation Promoter and Director of Pre-Novitiate at Navasadhana, Bengaluru (2013–2016).
His subsequent assignments included Director of the MBA Twinning Programme at St Joseph’s Evening College (2017–2018), and Minister and Programme Coordinator at the Spirituality Centre of Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru (2019–2020).
From 2021 to 2025, he served as Superior of Ashakiran, the Jesuit scholasticate in Mangaluru. He has also been serving as a Province Consultor since 2023. In June 2025, he took up the responsibility of Novice Master at Mount St Joseph, Bengaluru, guiding young Jesuits in their initial formation.
His varied assignments reflect a sustained commitment to accompanying people, nurturing vocations, strengthening communities and contributing to the educational and pastoral mission of the Society of Jesus.
As Rector, Fr Ronald will provide leadership and guidance to the St Aloysius community, working with the institution’s leadership, faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders in furthering its educational mission and Jesuit values.
The Jesuits and the Aloysian community extend a warm welcome to Fr Ronald Pais, SJ, and wish him every blessing as he assumes this new responsibility. His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the continuing mission of St Aloysius Institutions to promote academic excellence, character formation and service to society.