Accompanied by Fr. Leonardo Mancini, the Provincial of ICP, Fr. Attard explained the reasoning behind his decision, which highlighted his pastoral and inclusive leadership style. Reflecting on his choice, he said: “As soon as I got elected, I had this idea that the first Mass is going to be with the members of the General Chapter. That’s the way it should be. But the second Mass, after a word with my Vicar, Fr. Stefano, I said that I would like to celebrate the second Mass with the older confreres who have given their whole lives for the congregation.”
Recognizing the Contributions of Elderly Salesians
For Fr. Attard, this decision was not merely a gesture of gratitude but a profound statement about the indispensable value of elderly and sick confreres in the Salesian mission. He emphasized that their role is not diminished by age or physical limitations. Instead, their testimony, prayer, and sense of belonging remain integral to the life and mission of the Salesian Congregation.
Fr. Attard affirmed: “These people have somehow prepared ‘yesterday’ what we are ‘living today.’ Usually, we simply stay on the fact of thanking them. I think thanking them is very important; it’s indispensable. But it’s also very important that we have signs of proximity, that we have signs where the same institutional role is considering them not as somebody else, but as part and parcel of our Salesian mission.”
Fr. Attard’s words reflect a vision of leadership grounded in empathy and inclusivity. He reminded the congregation that care for elderly confreres is an essential aspect of authentic Salesian spirituality. He drew a connection between the attention given to young people and the care shown to older members of the community, suggesting that one cannot exist without the other:
“Becoming old does not mean becoming useless. We need to look at our confreres, especially the older ones, with the same enthusiasm that we look at the younger confreres. Because if we do not have empathy, care, and attention to our older confreres, I do question myself whether our care, empathy, and attention to the young has a different meaning, a different motivation rather than the truly pastoral one. When we are truly concerned about the young, we are concerned about everybody, especially our confreres who, after having toiled in the field of the Lord, cannot do any work, but are still extremely important.”
Prayer as a "Power Station" of the Salesian Mission
During his short reflection during the homily, Fr. Attard offered a powerful image to illustrate the continued role of elderly Salesians in the mission:
“Our infirmaries are like nuclear power stations—our power stations of prayer, of connectedness with the Lord. Their prayer connects our mission directly with Don Bosco as he expressed his mission connected with the Lord.”
He affirmed that the elderly Salesians, through their vulnerable yet prayerful presence, remain protagonists in the Salesian mission. Their prayers and example of faith are vital in sustaining the Congregation’s work, much like how a power station fuels its surroundings.
A Morning of Gratitude and Prayer
The experience of celebrating Mass with the elderly Salesians left Fr. Attard deeply moved. He expressed his joy and fulfillment in spending the morning with confreres who have given their lives to the Salesian mission:
“I felt so contented that I was able to spend my morning time with them and pray with them and for them.”
Currently, the ICP Province Infirmary, named “Blessed Philip Rinaldi,” houses 14 confreres. These Salesians, who have dedicated their lives to living and spreading Don Bosco’s charism, continue to play a vital role in the life of the Congregation through their prayer, presence, and enduring example of Salesian fidelity.
A Testament to Salesian Family Spirit
Fr. Fabio Attard’s decision to celebrate his second Mass as Rector Major with the elderly and sick confreres is a testament to his inclusive, pastoral approach to leadership. It reflects his commitment to honoring every member of the Salesian family, regardless of age or physical ability, and underscores the fundamental Salesian value of community and mutual care. This symbolic gesture is rooted in gratitude, empathy, and a deep connection to the Salesian mission as a family united in faith, service, and love.
