(ANS – Madrid – October 23, 2026) – From October 23–25, Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard will visit the Salesians in Atocha, Madrid, to mark two important milestones: the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Salesian Cooperators and the 125th anniversary of the Salesians’ arrival in Atocha.

Under the motto “A Dream That Continues,” the three-day visit will provide an opportunity to reflect on the origins of both anniversaries while looking toward the present and future of the Salesian mission. Fr. Fabio Attard, the 11th Successor of Don Bosco, will meet with educators, young people, Salesian Cooperators, and representatives of the various groups within the Salesian Family.

Don Bosco envisioned a vast network of people committed to the education and evangelization of young people. This vision led to the founding of the Salesian Cooperators in 1876. One hundred and fifty years later, the dream lives on through men and women who share the Salesian mission through their lay vocation and presence in the Church and society.

Years later, in 1901, Don Bosco’s dream took root in Madrid with the arrival of the Salesians in Atocha. From the beginning, their work focused particularly on vocational formation and supporting young people with the fewest opportunities. This marked the beginning of the first Salesian presence in Madrid, which for 125 years has accompanied generations of young people and sought to meet their educational, human, and spiritual needs.

Meeting with the Educational Community

Friday, October 23, will focus especially on the educational community of the Salesians in Atocha. The Rector Major will participate in the school’s “Good Morning” gathering with students, visit various areas of the campus, and unveil a commemorative plaque marking the 125th anniversary.

In the afternoon, he will meet with educators from Salesian schools and Salesian social platforms, particularly those in the Community of Madrid. The gathering will highlight the educational and social work carried out by various Salesian institutions and provide an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas with the Rector Major.

The day will conclude with a time of prayer alongside youth leaders from the Atocha Youth Center, followed by the traditional Salesian “Good Night” reflection.

Salesian Cooperators Celebrate Their 150th Anniversary

The morning of Saturday, October 24, will be dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Salesian Cooperators. Fr. Fabio Attard will participate in a gathering with Salesian Cooperators from the St. John Bosco Province and preside at Mass later that morning in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. During the celebration, several Salesian Cooperators will make their promises.

This anniversary commemorates Don Bosco’s vision of a committed group of laypeople who, through their family, professional, and social lives, would share in the mission of supporting young people.

Meeting with Young People

In the afternoon, the Rector Major will meet with leaders and young people from the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM). Participants will have the opportunity to speak with Fr. Attard and share their concerns, questions, and experiences.

The gathering will conclude with a time of prayer and Eucharistic adoration in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. This will be one of the key moments of the visit, bringing together Don Bosco’s Successor and the young people who are the primary beneficiaries of the Salesian mission.

The Salesian Family United Around Don Bosco

On Sunday, October 25, the Rector Major will meet with various groups within the Salesian Family. The visit will conclude with the celebration of the Eucharist in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians.

These three days will provide an opportunity to give thanks for the journey undertaken, recognize the many people who have made these anniversaries possible, and renew the commitment to the education and evangelization of young people.

The two anniversaries are more than occasions to remember history. They are also an invitation to continue bringing Don Bosco’s educational and evangelizing dream to life in today’s world.