Primitivo Viray Explained

Primitivo E. Viray Jr., S.J. (born October 31, 1960), also known as Fr. Jun Viray, is the 12th Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines,^[1] serving from 2017 to 2023.

He is President of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) beginning January 2024 and simultaneously the Major Superior of the Jesuits in Pakistan, the newest mission territory of JCAP. In the decree dated 13 June 2023 appointing Viray, Fr. Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Jesuits, noted Viray's “integrity and prudence”.^[2]

He was ordained to the priesthood in 1995 and became Parish Priest in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

From 2006 to 2009, he was the Local Superior in Zamboanga while working as Professor of Economics at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

He later became Rector of Loyola House of Studies.

In 2011, he was elected President of Ateneo de Naga University and Superior of the Jesuits in Naga. He also became Chair of the Jesuit Higher Education Commission.^{[3] [4] [5]}

He holds an M.A. in Rural Development Studies and a doctorate in Development Studies from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, U.K.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Province Officials Philippine Jesuits . 2023-10-30 . en-US.
2. Web site: Communications . JCAP . Fr Jun Viray SJ appointed as new President of Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific – Jesuit Asia Pacific Conference . 2023-10-11 . en-US.
3. Web site: Office of the President. Ateneo de Naga University. 28 March 2016.
4. Web site: Crossing new frontiers: Ateneo de Naga at 75. Rappler. 5 June 2015 . 28 March 2016.
5. News: Ateneo de Naga: 75 years of putting 'God's Kingdom first. Philippine Daily Inquirer. 28 June 2015 . 28 March 2016.