(ANS – Tokyo – October 5, 2026) – During the first few days of his visit to Japan, the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, met with confreres, members of the Salesian Family and young people in Osaka and Tokyo. These stops form part of the celebrations marking the centenary of the Salesian presence in the country.

Osaka: “Education Is the Key to the Future”

On October 2, the Rector Major visited Osaka Seiko Gakuin High School, accompanied by the Provincial, the Vice Provincial and the Secretary. The school community gave him a warm welcome, and Fr. Attard met with the students. Addressing them, he recalled Don Bosco’s own experience of poverty and limited access to education. It was from this experience that his commitment to providing opportunities for disadvantaged young people arose.

He reminded the students that education is “the key to the future” and urged them to combine knowledge with character formation, responsibility, kindness and generosity.

Education as a Vocation of Care

The day continued with Mass for the Salesian Family. To those working in youth ministry, the Rector Major reminded them that education is not simply a profession, but a vocation of care and accompaniment.

Reflecting on the experience of Don Bosco, who entered a new cultural environment, he emphasized the need to understand the language, experiences and ways of thinking of young people, which are constantly changing. He added that education is a shared mission, requiring collaboration among educators, families and communities.

“Young People Are Waiting for You”

He asked the Salesians to listen without judging and to devote meaningful time to young people, because their presence builds trust. He invited the Salesian Family to rediscover the beauty of their educational vocation and to remain close to the most vulnerable and marginalized young people.

During the fraternal dinner, various groups from the Salesian Family in the Osaka region introduced themselves to the Rector Major. During the traditional Salesian “Goodnight,” Fr. Attard urged everyone to walk alongside young people with openness and authenticity, reminding them that today’s young people are different because circumstances change.

“Young people are waiting for you. You cannot abandon them,” he said, bringing to a close a day of fellowship, prayer and celebration.

Chōfu: Listening to God and Young People

On October 3, the second day of the visit, members of the Salesian Family and young people from the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) gathered in Chōfu, Tokyo, to celebrate the centenary together with the 11th Successor of Don Bosco.

During the Eucharist with the Salesian Family, the Rector Major reflected on the importance of listening. Drawing inspiration from Don Bosco’s experience, he invited the Salesian Family to listen first to God, then to young people and the realities of society.

Don Bosco’s mission, he explained, was not based solely on institutions and activities, but on a profound spiritual journey and a sincere desire to serve young people. The message was clear: God must remain at the center, while young people must remain at the heart and purpose of the community’s mission.

A Mission to Be Shared

After Mass, Fr. Attard addressed the Salesian Family, emphasizing Don Bosco’s universal vision and his conviction that education and mission can never be carried out alone. Salesians, Cooperators, lay people and other collaborators are called to work together, particularly in supporting young people in difficult situations.

The examples shared reminded those present that even small acts of service, placed in God’s hands, can become a source of life and hope.

With 140 Young People of the SYM

In the evening, around 140 young people from various Salesian communities gathered to celebrate the centenary of the SYM. In his conversation with the young people, Fr. Fabio Attard encouraged them to embrace kindness, especially toward those facing hardship, recalling his own encounters with poverty in various parts of the world.

He urged them not to fear challenges that seem impossible, but to face them with faith, courage and a willingness to take action.

Vocation and the Future: Take Your Time

Responding to questions on faith, vocational discernment and the future, the Rector Major urged the young people not to rush in their search for answers regarding their vocation. Instead, he suggested they devote time to prayer, reflection and dialogue with trusted individuals who could accompany them.

He reminded them that important answers often mature gradually, through openness, patience and discernment.

Finally, he urged them to remain attentive to those who suffer, both in distant places and within their own communities, schools and families.

“Poverty is not a choice, but kindness and gentleness are,” he said.