Fr. Attard’s Arrival and the Spontaneous Celebration

Fr. Attard arrived in Turin by train from Rome, with a quick stop in Milan—where, in true Don Bosco style, he took the time to meet and greet some young people. Upon arriving at Valdocco, he was warmly welcomed into the courtyard by representatives from different continents. His years of service and leadership around the world have made him many friends, and those who know him didn’t want to wait for the official greetings to shower him with affection. Cheers, hugs, and heartfelt gestures accompanied him all the way to the theatre, where he was met with enthusiastic applause, music, and cheers from the entire assembly.

The Ritual Profession of Faith

The formal act of the profession of faith followed—a solemn and institutional moment of the day. Through his expressions, words, and demeanor, the new Rector Major conveyed the significance of the occasion. Passages from the Salesian Constitutions were read, along with a Gospel passage emphasizing the role of authority as a service.

As the new Don Bosco, Fr. Attard reaffirmed his complete adherence to the deposit of faith of the Catholic Church and the Magisterium of the Popes, committing himself to leading the Congregation with fidelity to Christ and the Holy Father, in the spirit of Don Bosco. At the conclusion of the rite, Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, the Moderator of the 29th General Chapter, presented him with the Chapter badge, formally incorporating him among the members of the assembly. The official greetings then began, led by the President of the Chapter, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, followed by the Rector Major Emeritus, Fr. Pascual Chávez, and other distinguished guests, including Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians; Bishop Mauro Morfino of Alghero-Bosa; Sr. Leslie Sandigo, General Councilor for the Salesian Family; and Sr. Emma Bergandi, FMA Provincial of Piedmont-Valle d'Aosta.

The First "Programmatic" Speech

One of the most anticipated moments for the more than 220 Chapter members present—and for the thousands of Salesians and Don Bosco supporters following the event via livestream—was Fr. Attard’s first address as Rector Major.

In a speech lasting 20 minutes, he outlined perspectives and clear priorities, offering thought-provoking challenges. Speaking in a warm and direct tone, he emphasized the importance of clarity in Salesian identity and the significance of the day’s event.

The Congregation as the Focus

“The most important subject today is not Fabio Attard, but the Salesian Congregation,” he began, explaining that “today, the Congregation has made a gesture that testifies not only to its vitality but also to the desire that this vitality continues through individuals chosen to serve for a period of time.”

He highlighted that those who serve the Congregation are not alone but are part of a greater dynamic: “where the Spirit of God is speaking… a human history that serves as a vessel for the power of a God who continues to create, redeem, and sanctify.”

For this reason, his first exhortation to his confreres was to “remain open to this story of salvation, which has its beginning and end in Jesus Christ,” starting with a sincere reflection on what it means to be a Salesian today. He urged them to truly embody the theme of the Chapter—"Passionate about Jesus Christ, Dedicated to the Young"—and to reflect on their personal attitudes and desires in advancing the Congregation and its mission.

“Today, as Salesians of Don Bosco,” he warned, “we are called to live our charism without falling into the trap of ‘pastoral photocopies.’ This is a danger we recognize intellectually… but making the transition from intellectual understanding to prophetic fidelity is not easy!”

From Passion for God to Passion for Humanity

Building on this foundation, Fr. Attard pushed the reflection further. If the starting point is being rooted in Christ and conscious of the Salesian charism, then, in this era—what Pope Francis has called "a change of epoch"—Salesians must carefully reconsider their educational service.

“Are we benefactors, masters, suppliers… or are we servants?” he asked.

Drawing from his global experiences, Fr. Attard observed that young people today live in a single, interconnected village, and their fundamental questions are the same, whether in Vietnam, Brazil, Spain, India, or elsewhere. However, while their questions are shaped by this new era, their thirst for meaning remains timeless.

“The thirst is there—but do we recognize it?” he challenged. “If we are truly servants of the young, we must provide spaces, people, and opportunities where this thirst can be acknowledged, encountered, and—hopefully—quenched with a cup of water offered.”

This changing era should not be seen as an excuse or a problem but as an opportunity that must not be wasted. “Our passion is the measure of our dedication, our fidelity is the backbone of our prophecy—there is no alternative,” he stated emphatically. He also noted that, even from an external perspective, through media coverage, it was evident that the Chapter was genuinely listening to the Holy Spirit. However, the real challenge would be to translate this spirit, dynamic, and attitude into the daily work of the provinces.

The Salesians in War Zones

Finally, Fr. Attard dedicated a thought to the many Salesians serving in conflict zones, including Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Myanmar, Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“These confreres need our spiritual closeness because they are there to bear witness—they are the martyrs of the new century,” he said.

He cited the example of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, the Salesian missionary in Yemen who was kidnapped for 557 days between 2017 and 2018: “a man of prayer, serenity…” like so many other Sons of Don Bosco who, in extremely challenging circumstances, “testify that, for Jesus, it is worth being a Don Bosco today for young people.”

A Journey to Be Taken Together

Fr. Attard concluded with a final reminder about the nature of service and a heartfelt request.

He emphasized that “service must be lived in a credible and visible way, first and foremost by the General Council. We are there as an example of synodality, communion, fraternity, and fatherhood. We are there to serve—nothing more, nothing less.”

Finally, echoing Pope Francis, he asked for prayers.

“Pray for me and for those you will elect to the General Council, because we are a community—we are brothers.”

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