(ANS – Dhaka – October 12, 2026) – Following his visit to Japan, Fr. Fabio Attard, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, arrived in Bangladesh at dawn on October 9, 2026, for his first visit to the country. The visit marks an important milestone for the Salesian mission in Bangladesh, which began 15 years ago. He was welcomed at Dhaka airport by Fr. Sunil Kerketta, superior of the Calcutta Province, and Fr. Francis Alencherry, head of the mission in Bangladesh.

“What Is God Asking of Me?”

Among his first meetings were those with aspirants and prenovices, members of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), and Salesian Cooperators.

Addressing young people discerning their vocations, the Rector Major reminded them that a vocation is first and foremost a response to God’s will, not merely a personal choice. He invited them to discern what the Lord is asking of them, remain faithful to their daily responsibilities, and look to St. Dominic Savio, who made holiness the goal of his life.

Holiness, he explained, grows through faithfulness in ordinary life, and personal witness can inspire other young people to embrace a life of faith and commitment. He proposed two questions for discernment: “What is God asking of me?” and how can I personally choose to become one with Jesus?

“For the Lord or With the Lord?”

Fr. Fabio Attard asked the Salesians gathered at Don Bosco Moushair to deepen their relationship with Christ, strengthen community life, and renew their commitment to the poor and young people.

A personal relationship with Christ, he said, remains the foundation of religious life and missionary commitment. He invited the Salesians to examine their prayer lives, meditation, and daily ministry, posing the question: “Are we working for the Lord or with the Lord?”

He also emphasized the primacy of God in one’s vocation and the value of religious vows as a path of self-giving. The declining number of religious, he added, is not a limitation as long as they remain faithful to their prophetic mission and close to the people they serve.

Close to the Poor and Lay Collaborators

Fr. Attard presented community life as an essential dimension of Salesian identity and witness, not merely an organizational necessity.

He urged the communities to remain close to the poor, avoiding complacency or detachment from the realities of those they serve. He also emphasized the importance of ongoing formation beyond the initial stages of religious life and encouraged the Salesians to accompany and support their lay collaborators, whose contributions to the educational and pastoral mission are invaluable.

Welcoming, Growth, and Example

During the celebration of the Eucharist, the Rector Major highlighted three dimensions of the Salesian mission: creating a welcoming home where young people feel accepted, helping them grow into responsible and good people, and inspiring them to guide others along the same path.

Referring to Don Bosco and Mamma Margaret, he explained that welcoming others is the starting point of education.

He added that personal example is decisive. Small gestures of kindness, encouragement, and support are concrete expressions of the Gospel and can inspire others to lead more generous lives dedicated to service.

The Salesian Presence in Bangladesh

The Salesian presence in Bangladesh comprises 19 Salesians: 10 local, five Indian, two Vietnamese, one African, and one Polish. Six Salesians are serving outside the mission territory.

The first Bangladeshi Salesian priest was Fr. Victor Mankhin, followed by Fr. Johny Ruram and Fr. Sentu Lawrence Biswas. Two deacons, Ankur Boiragi and Dip Dinesh, are awaiting priestly ordination.