The Reasons behind the Choice: Fr Attard as Rector Major
Fr. Fabio Attard, 66 years old, with 45 years of Salesian life, is the first Maltese Salesian to hold this role and – even more uniquely – the first Rector Major to be elected outside of the General Chapter.
A multifaceted personality endowed with many talents, Fr. Attard's selection was influenced by his numerous and diverse skills – from theological research to organizational abilities, from visionary leadership to missionary spirit – as well as his willingness to serve wherever called. This includes his service in the General Council, where he served for 12 years as Councillor for Youth Ministry, and outside of it, where he continued to work humbly and simply over the past five years, fulfilling his assigned duties (first as the Formation Coordinator for Salesians and Lay People in Europe, and later as Extraordinary Visitor on behalf of the Rector Major).
Fr Fabio’s Response
Contacted by phone after the first round of voting in which he was elected Rector Major, Fr Attard, with a calm yet emotional voice, responded to the question posed by the President of the General Chapter, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, whether he would accept this new responsibility:"If my confreres have placed their trust in me, with the Grace of God, I will do my best."
While Fr. Attard quickly packed his bags to travel to Turin that afternoon – where a celebration awaited him with the Profession of faith and homage of his confreres – enthusiasm for his election exploded across social networks and in phone and digital communications.
Messages from the Salesian World
Among the first to congratulate Fr Attard was Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, currently Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, who led the Salesian Congregation for over 10 years (2014–2024).
"It was a pleasure for me to greet our Rector Major, the 11th Successor of Don Bosco, Fabio Attard, just a few hours ago, and I now do so again through ANS to express my best wishes, with all my affection, as a Salesian of Don Bosco – now with a different role in service to the Church, but always with a Salesian heart. I have truly prayed with faith and with great desire for the Holy Spirit!"
"Dearest Fr Fabio, Rector Major, best wishes!" continued Cardinal Á.F. Artime. "The entire Congregation and the entire Salesian Family are happy about your appointment, and we will stand by you to make this wonderful, splendid, beautiful, and also demanding service possible! Best wishes, with affection and my prayers."
Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), who was present at the Salesian Mother House at the time of the election, expressed her sentiments to the 11th Successor of Don Bosco: "Dearest Fr Fabio, on my own behalf and on behalf of the entire Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), I congratulate you on the new mission entrusted to you within the Salesian Family and the Church. Like Mary, you have received a unique Annunciation mediated by the Chapter Assembly, and your ‘yes’ undoubtedly carries special fruitfulness, as it is united today with the ‘yes’ of the Mother of God, who maternally accompanies the journey of the Salesian Congregation with wisdom."
Looking to the future, the FMA Superior General added: "I assure you of our prayers and support and invoke upon you and the Salesians who will be called to form the new General Council the grace of the Holy Spirit and the powerful protection of Mary, Mother and Teacher, as we continue our synodal journey in communion, co-responsibility, and joy, for the salvation of young people. With much affection and great esteem!"
Another Rector Major, Fr. Pascual Chávez Villanueva, who led the Salesian Congregation for two terms (2002-2014), also offered his words of support to the newly elected Rector Major: "Dearest Fr Fabio, first of all, I congratulate you on your election as the new Rector Major, the 11th Successor of Don Bosco. It is no coincidence that your election occurred on the day the entire Church joyfully celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, for God continues to seek collaborators to carry out His marvelous plan of salvation. What He seeks is exactly what He has found in you: ‘Here I am.’"
"You know well," continued Fr. Chávez, "that when God chooses someone, He enriches them with all the gifts needed to fulfil the mission entrusted to them – in this case, ensuring that God’s ‘dream’ of seeing young people happy here and for eternity becomes a reality. As Rector Major, you are the father of the Congregation, the center of unity for the Salesian Family, the Successor of Don Bosco, a faithful and prophetic guardian of the Salesian charism, spirit, and mission. As I extend my best wishes once again, I assure you of my prayers and, above all, my total availability. With affection, esteem, gratitude, united in Don Bosco."
The World President of the Confederation of Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco, fellow Maltese Bryan Magro, also shared a congratulatory message: "As the largest group in the Salesian Family, Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco worldwide are rejoicing at the splendid news of Fr. Fabio Attard’s election as Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation! I have known Fr. Fabio for over 40 years, even before he became a Salesian, and have worked closely with him for many years! I describe him as a father, with a joyful character and a charismatic presence. He has always built strong relationships with young people and believes in the active involvement of laypeople in the Salesian mission. As an organization composed mainly of laypeople, we assure the new Rector Major of our loyalty, support, and prayers to guide the Salesian Family during his term. This is a special moment for the Salesian Family to continue working in unity for the care of young souls in the world we live in today."
Antonio Boccia, World Coordinator of the Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC), also declared: "Salesian Cooperators worldwide joyfully welcome Fr. Fabio Attard’s election as the 11th Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation. To Fr Fabio, we guarantee our continuous support through prayer, so that his ministry may bring renewal to the entire Salesian Family. I add my personal appreciation and gratitude to all the Chapter Members who were docile to the action of the Spirit."
