(ANS – Rome) – In the heart of Rome, at the Salesian Congregation’s headquarters, the Salesian Family gathered in joy and gratitude for the traditional Thanksgiving Celebration in honor of the Rector Major, the Successor of Don Bosco. Since the origins of the Congregation, this event has expressed filial affection and gratitude toward the one entrusted with safeguarding and guiding the Salesian charism throughout the world.

The celebration, held in the renovated Teatro Magenta, brought together numerous Salesians from the Central Italy Circumscription (ICC), the Vice Province of the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS), the communities of Testaccio and Buffalotta, as well as communities directly dependent on the Rector Major, including those in the Vatican, San Callisto, Castel Gandolfo, and the Generalate.

A particularly significant presence was that of the Rector Major Emeritus, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, whose participation gave the evening an especially warm and fraternal tone. The gathering was further enriched by the presence of Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, a Salesian of Don Bosco, highlighting the universal dimension of the charism.

A Family-Like Program

The evening opened with a solemn hymn to Don Bosco, immediately immersing the assembly in an atmosphere of joy and gratitude. This was not simply a musical introduction but a true expression of identity: every act of thanksgiving to the Rector Major flows from the heart of the Salesian charism and the living presence of the Founder.

Welcome Address

The Rector of the Headquarters Community, Fr. Francesco Marcoccio, then delivered the official welcome, opening the evening of tribute.

He emphasized the historical and symbolic significance of the Teatro Magenta. Far more than a restored building, it is a place deeply rooted in Salesian history, where many important figures and events in the life of the Congregation have passed. From the 1950s through the 1980s, it also served as a cultural center for the neighborhood, hosting cinema, theater, and educational initiatives that communicated Christian and human values.

“It is a beautiful and meaningful place,” he noted, “and we are grateful to the Superiors who decided to return it to the Salesian communities. Otherwise, it would have been lost.”

Fr. Marcoccio then offered the Rector Major a symbolic image: water. Referring to a homily by Fr. Fabio Attard on John the Baptist, he recalled how the encounter between John and Jesus took place in water, a sign of life and revelation. He also evoked two episodes from the life of Don Bosco: one dated April 30, 1882, involving the young Luigi Colle drawing water from a well symbolizing the Sacred Heart; and another dream from May 1, 1886, in which Mamma Margaret invited Don Bosco to drink water “at a high price,” bearing the sins of others. Both images pointed to the Rector Major’s mission of carrying the weight of the Congregation with love and responsibility.

“God Has Given You a Big Heart”

The program continued with a presentation by the Zeffirino Namuncurá Community, which staged La Gerla, performed by young Salesians in formation. Through an imaginative dialogue set during the final days of Don Bosco’s life, the image of a great vineyard and a basket carried on the shoulders emerged, symbolizing the ongoing mission entrusted to his successors.

The community then led the assembly in the song “God Has Given You a Big Heart,” expressing gratitude for the Founder and making the continuity of the charism tangible. The symbolic passing of the basket to the Rector Major, present in the hall, created a moment of deep emotion, visually expressing the continuity of the Salesian mission across generations.

Honoring Jubilarians

A particularly meaningful moment was the recognition of Salesians celebrating significant anniversaries of ordination or religious profession. The Rector Major personally presented gifts to each jubilarian, who were called by name before the assembly. They then gathered on stage for a commemorative photograph, receiving heartfelt applause from those present.

“Stay Here With Us”

The celebration continued with a musical offering from the Central Italy Circumscription, performing “Stay Here With Us.” The song created an atmosphere of communion and affection, expressing gratitude toward the Successor of Don Bosco in a truly family spirit.

Video Tribute

A video produced by the Communications Sector was then presented, expressing gratitude for the Rector Major’s service to the Salesian Congregation and the Salesian Family worldwide.

Words of the Vicar

The high point of the evening was the address by the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr. Stefano Martoglio. Speaking warmly and informally, he highlighted the continuity of this tradition:

“This celebration of the Rector Major is a continuity without interruption—from the very beginning, from 1847 onward.”

He stressed that gratitude must be actively celebrated, not simply assumed. “We are here on behalf of thousands of Salesians around the world,” he said, noting that many participate in this tradition spiritually even if they cannot attend in person.

The address concluded with a prayer entrusting the Rector Major to Mary through the recitation of the Hail Mary.

Striving for Holiness

The Pontifical Salesian University contributed a creative presentation using a sports metaphor, portraying the Congregation as an international team enriched by diverse cultures and vocations. The central message emphasized that holiness is the ultimate goal—lived in study, daily work, fraternity, and apostolic zeal. The hymn “Stoffa di Santità” concluded the moment with energy and conviction.

From Celebration to Prayer

The celebration continued in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart with Solemn Vespers, presided over by the Rector Major in an atmosphere of prayer and thanksgiving. At its conclusion, he offered the traditional Salesian goodnight, reflecting on the meaning of the Feast of Thanksgiving.

The evening concluded with a fraternal agape meal, a concrete expression of the family spirit that defines the Salesian charism.

The Feast of Thanksgiving thus became a renewed experience of communion. The Congregation recognizes in the Successor of Don Bosco a fatherly presence and a service of unity. The gratitude expressed was not merely remembrance of the past, but a commitment to the present and the future, so that the mission may continue to be carried forward—supported by God’s grace and the fidelity of his sons.