By Lisandro Albor, Jr., Salesian Youth Leader, USA Western Province –

(Los Angeles, California) – Da mihi animas, caetera tolle. – Give me souls, take away the rest.

That phrase, Don Bosco’s motto and the heartbeat of the Salesian coat of arms, isn’t just a line we memorize—it’s a mission we live. And every once in a while, something happens that reminds us that this mission is alive, growing, and more relevant than ever.

In Salesian history, some moments feel bigger than just news—they feel like a spark. That’s how I felt when I heard that Fr. Fabio Attard had been elected as the 11th Successor of Don Bosco.

As a young person in the Salesian family, and especially as someone who belongs to a province so deeply invested in the mission of Don Bosco, I couldn’t help but get excited. This wasn’t just a leadership announcement, it was a positive confirmation that the Salesian Congregation continues to put its heart where Don Bosco always put his, with the young.

Don Fabio isn’t just any successor. He’s a Salesian who has spent most of his life in direct service to youth ministry. That alone is enough to make every young person in the Salesian world stand up a little taller and think, “He gets us.”

Don Fabio knows the rhythm of the young. He knows what it’s like to walk into a room full of teenagers, try to break the ice, and leave feeling more inspired than drained. He’s been on the front lines—accompanying, empowering, and believing in young people. That experience is now leading the whole Congregation. That’s huge.

For our province, this brings a ton of energy. We’re already filled with passionate lay leaders, tireless SDBs, and young people eager to evangelize and serve. But with Don Fabio at the helm, it feels like we’ve been permitted to dream even bigger. To innovate boldly. To lean into the Salesian identity we talk about so often and truly live it out.

And maybe, just maybe, this new chapter will inspire all of us to revisit what youth ministry can look like. With a Rector Major whose heart beats for the young, the call is clear—it’s time to set the bar high.

This is a time of opportunity. A time to recommit to forming young leaders, accompanying them with patience and joy, and trusting that they’re not just the future, they’re the present. Don Fabio’s election isn’t just a change in leadership. It’s a bold reminder that young people still stand at the center of our mission. And that’s something to celebrate.

Because in the end, everything we do—every retreat, every Good Morning, every crazy youth night and late-night planning session—should point back to that one phrase at the heart of who we are:

Da mihi animas, caetera tolle. – Give me souls, take away the rest.

That’s not just a motto. That’s the mission.

And right now? It feels more alive than ever.

So, from one young person to the wider Salesian family: let’s show up. Let’s get loud with our joy, creative with our evangelization, and fearless with our dreams.

Congratulations, Don Fabio. We’re with you.

And to my fellow dreamers in the province. Let’s get to work, the playground is wide open.

Lisandro Albro, Jr. has served as a youth leader in Salesian parishes and summer camps. He is currently animating the development of the Carlos Acutis Media Center at the Don Bosco Mission Center.