“Jesuit formation has led me across the globe, from mainland China and Peru to Canada and Great Britain. Yet, these journeys aren’t mere résumé highlights. They are profound experiences that continually propel me inward, challenging and reflecting upon my beliefs and identity.”
Will pursue a doctorate in education at Columbia University while offering sacramental ministry at St. Francis Xavier Parish in New York City.
Chia-Yang “C-Y” Kao, SJ, was born and raised in a Catholic family in Taipei, Taiwan. His journey toward the priesthood began during middle school when he attended a diocesan vocation event, igniting a deep-seated desire to serve in the priesthood. This calling has remained a guiding force throughout his life, leading him to actively engage in various church ministries. Having pursued diplomacy studies at National Chengchi University, renowned for its emphasis on humanities and social sciences in Taiwan, his exposure to the Jesuits deepened through his involvement with the Christian Life Community (CLC). It was during this time that he developed a keen interest in Ignatian spirituality. Following two years of military service, he ventured to the United States to pursue a graduate degree at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Throughout this period, he maintained connections with Jesuits in the Washington, D.C., area. Prior to entering the Jesuit novitiate in Syracuse, New York, he dedicated eight years of his professional life to designing educational development projects worldwide, supported by the U.S. Department of State and USAID.
During his Jesuit formation, he participated in hospital chaplaincy in Syracuse and Boston, provided spiritual care for the unhoused population in Chicago, and supported minoritized and first-generation university students in San Francisco. In his regency, he supported academic research in missionary history in China at the Ricci Institute and participated in fostering equity and inclusivity at the University of San Francisco, grounded in its Catholic, Jesuit mission. He carried this valuable experience into his theology studies at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, where he explored the evolving dynamics of Jesuit higher education within an increasingly diversified U.S. context.
As a deacon, he served at St. Ignatius Parish in San Francisco and Chinese Catholic Missions in Oakland, California. His first Mass will take place at the University Church at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. After ordination, he will pursue a doctorate in education at Columbia University while offering sacramental ministry at St. Francis Xavier Parish in New York City.
Bachelor’s degree, diplomacy, National Chengchi University; Master’s degree, foreign service, Georgetown University; Master’s degree, social philosophy, Loyola University Chicago; Master of Divinity, Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University
