Turin, Italy – March 2025 – On March 25, the 29th General Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de Sales elected Fr. Fabio Attard as the new Rector Major. He is the 11th Successor of Don Bosco, entrusted with leading the Salesian Congregation and continuing its mission of serving young people, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, across 136 countries worldwide.
On the evening of March 25, upon his arrival from Rome to Turin, the new Rector Major was warmly welcomed and greeted. This was followed by the formal act of the profession of faith, the most solemn and institutional moment of the occasion. Fr. Attard then delivered his first address, outlining his vision and key directions for the Congregation. The day after his election, he also celebrated his first Mass as Rector Major in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco, Turin.

Turin, Italy – March 2025 – The 29th General Chapter (GC29), currently taking place in Turin-Valdocco, is a pivotal moment of discernment, collaboration, and commitment for Salesians worldwide. In recent days, participants have analyzed the current state of the Congregation, reflected on key challenges, and proposed concrete actions to shape the future of the Salesian mission. Over the past few weeks, the chapter members have also taken part in meaningful and enriching visits, such as a trip to Cuorgnè, the birthplace of Saint Callistus Caravario, and a visit to the Museum of the Holy Shroud. Additionally, with the work of the Commissions now in full swing, the chapter members participated in the Ash Wednesday celebration at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. Currently, the proceedings are progressing with clarity and a spirit of shared vision, aiming to formulate proposals that faithfully reflect the prevailing thoughts of the participants. These guidelines will serve as the foundation for key decisions that will shape the future of the Congregation.

Turin, Italy – February 2025 – On the afternoon of Sunday, February 16, at the Salesian Motherhouse in Turin-Valdocco, Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, the Chapter Moderator, officially proclaimed the opening of the 29th General Chapter (CG29). ANS shares with its readers some of the most significant images capturing these first days of CG29, marked by moments of reflection and the Spiritual Exercises led by the Rector Major Emeritus, Fr. Pascual Chávez. The spiritual preparation for the 29th General Chapter concluded yesterday with the participants' pilgrimage to Colle Don Bosco and Chieri.