(ANS – Madrid, May 2, 2026) – On Saturday, May 2, 2026, the Salesian house in Atocha, Madrid, hosted the Provincial Feast of the Salesians in Spain’s St. James the Greater Province (SSM), a day marked by gratitude, shared memory, and the beginning of a new phase for the province. On this occasion, the installation ceremony of the new Provincial, José Carlos Sobejano, also took place.

The celebration brought together Salesians, members of the Educative and Pastoral Communities, families, and guests in a gathering that expressed gratitude for lives given in service while also opening new horizons for the future.

Provincial Celebration

From early morning, participants gathered at the Atocha theater, which had been prepared for the main event honoring Salesians celebrating significant anniversaries of ordination or religious profession, as well as members of the outgoing Provincial Council.

The first part of the day included a tribute to the outgoing Provincial, Fernando García. In an informal interview, he shared that his years leading the province had profoundly changed him. He highlighted the richness of the Educative and Pastoral Communities in every Salesian house, describing them as “enormous treasures of life and mission,” and referred to the many people he met during his service as “torrents of vitality and Salesian charism.”

Fr. Sobejano, the New Provincial

The central moment of the day took place in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Atocha, filled with Salesians and guests for the Eucharistic celebration during which Fr. José Carlos Sobejano officially assumed his role as Provincial. The Mass was presided over, on behalf of the Rector Major, by Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, Regional Councillor for the Mediterranean Region.

In his homily, Fr. Pérez Godoy recalled that the primary task of a Provincial, according to the Salesian Constitutions, is to build a community of brothers. He emphasized that the Salesian mission is never entrusted to one individual alone but to the entire community. He invited the new Provincial to exercise leadership in the spirit of the Good Shepherd, with charity, closeness, and pastoral care, echoing a familiar phrase of Don Bosco: “Strive to make yourself loved.”

He also addressed young people, calling them the bearers of Don Bosco’s charism today. He encouraged them to respond generously to their vocation, highlighting vocational discernment as one of the province’s key priorities.

Following the homily, Fr. Sobejano made his profession of faith and signed the official documents confirming his appointment.

A Personal Farewell and a New Beginning

Before the new Provincial spoke, Fr. Fernando García offered a final personal reflection. He noted that the deepest transformation during his service had not been external changes in the province but an interior change in himself: “Having greater access to the hearts of many people has changed my life; I now need God more than ever.” He thanked God for the gift of the Salesian charism and encouraged everyone to continue walking together in support of Fr. Sobejano.

Under Mary’s Mantle

In his first address as Provincial, Fr. Sobejano placed his service under continuity and trust in God. Quoting St. Mary Mazzarello, he reminded those present that the priority in both feast and daily life is to love God and young people. He emphasized that he is not beginning something entirely new, but joining an ongoing story made up of projects, hopes, struggles, and shared experiences.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his parents, from whom he learned the value of work and simple faith, and to elderly and ill confreres, whom he described as “our roots,” sustained by their prayerful support.

Reaffirming the Salesian identity, he stated clearly: “We live for and with young people.” He reminded the assembly that the Salesian vocation is inseparable from self-gift and service, lived in fidelity to God alone.

The celebration concluded under the protection of Mary Help of Christians. Fr. Sobejano entrusted the SSM Province to her care, using a simple yet meaningful prayer inspired by a child from a Salesian nursery school: “Mary Help of Christians, play with us.” He prayed that Mary would watch over the dreams of young people and the hearts of those who accompany them.

Source: Salesianos.info