(ANS – Rome) – On the afternoon of Monday, August 31, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus hosted the installation ceremony for Fr. Marek Adam Chrzan as Rector of the Salesian Sacred Heart Community (Headquarters), presided over by the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr. Stefano Martoglio.

The ceremony, during which Fr. Marek made his promise and signed the document of appointment, was attended by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard; members of the Sacred Heart Community; Salesians from other communities in Rome and the surrounding area; Salesian Sisters; other religious; and, among others, Bishop Rosario Vela, SDB, Bishop of Moramanga in Madagascar, and Bishop Hailemariam Medhin Tesfay, SDB, Coadjutor Bishop of Gambella.

“A Change of Service That Is Not a Mere Formality”

In his reflection, Fr. Stefano Martoglio invited the assembly to experience the moment as “a pastoral unity in prayer centered on two people,” emphasizing that the handover from Fr. Francesco Marcoccio to Fr. Marek “is not a mere formality” but “something greater than ourselves,” to be entrusted to God in prayer.

Referring to the Salesian Constitutions and the figure of the rector as the “father of the community” according to Don Bosco’s heart, the Vicar of the Rector Major recalled that “any responsibility is the measure and means of fatherhood: there is no fatherhood without responsibility.” He then described the rector’s service not as “a role,” consisting of pre-established duties, but as “obeying the reality of daily life, people, and situations,” an expression of fidelity to God.

The Rector Major’s Words

Taking the floor at the end of the fraternal dinner that brought the day to a close, the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, drew on a verse from the Letter to the Romans – “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” – as a summary of his service, characterized by joy, constancy, and perseverance. Fr. Attard clarified the meaning of this joy, distinguishing it from superficial enthusiasm: “It is not easy-going cheerfulness; it is not a toothpaste ad,” he explained, but rather the serenity of “a person who is at peace, who is content.” He paired this with steadfastness and perseverance, qualities which – he said, addressing Fr. Marcoccio directly, whom he had known since the days when the Rector Major was in charge of youth ministry – “you carry with you, because you have them in your heart.”

Fr. Francesco Marcoccio’s Words of Thanks

In his address, Fr. Francesco Marcoccio looked back on the three years he spent leading the Sacred Heart Community, describing them as “an opportunity for growth” that had “opened his heart and mind to the whole world.”

He recalled the refurbishment of the house’s premises, which he described as a “tiring but also educational” experience; the attempt to build an Educative and Pastoral Community capable of “breathing with both lungs” – the global dimension and the local one linked to the basilica, the parish, and the youth center; and the spiritual richness discovered in deepening devotion to the Sacred Heart in the tradition of St. Francis de Sales and Don Bosco.

Using the image of a relay race, Fr. Marcoccio spoke of a “passing of the baton” that takes place “at the appointed time and place,” recalling that “one never wins alone” and that the task of those who go before is to “bear witness by passing the baton” to Fr. Marek. He then thanked the Rector Major and the Vicar for the trust placed in him, his confreres for their shared community life, the house staff – kitchen, cleaning, laundry, infirmary, and porter’s lodge – and the consecrated and lay members of the parish, including the MCR, the FMA, and the Franciscan Poor Clares.

Fr. Marek’s Opening Remarks

In his first address as Rector, Fr. Marek Chrzan expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him, acknowledging the responsibility that lay ahead: “I cannot say that I know what lies ahead, though I do have some vision,” he said, “but the most important thing is that I take up the helm that Francesco is leaving me and endeavor to hold it steady, so that we may move forward.” The new Rector then entrusted his ministry to the Sacred Heart.