(ANS – Rome – October 27, 2026) – The General Council of the Salesians of Don Bosco is holding a new session at the Generalate in Rome from October 26 to November 25, 2026. During the first meeting, the Rector Major shared his thoughts on several topics, including the Congregation’s commitment to artificial intelligence, the current formation program in accordance with the Ratio Fundamentalis, and the need for personal transformation and responsible leadership.

The day began with an opportunity to share and reflect on the visits that Council members had made over the past few months.

An Opportunity to Share Experiences

Facilitated by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, the opening discussion gave Council members an opportunity to share their experiences, significant encounters, and insights from their visits to the provinces and communities of the Congregation.

Their accounts highlighted the dedication of many Salesians engaged in remarkable educational and pastoral work, as well as the challenges faced by confreres and communities experiencing fatigue, personnel shortages, financial constraints, and difficult social or political circumstances. Some encounters, though brief, had left a particularly deep impression.

Despite the differences in contexts and experiences, a common theme emerged: the importance of being close to fellow Salesians, listening to their stories, and understanding both the joys that sustain their vocation and the difficulties they face.

Listen, Understand, and Accompany

The Rector Major reminded the Council that animation visits are, above all, opportunities to listen, understand, and accompany. They invite those entrusted with leadership to share in the lived experiences of their fellow Salesians and discern how best to support them in their Salesian vocation and mission.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Fr. Fabio Attard delivered his official opening address for the General Council session.

The session will give the Council time to reflect on the experiences of recent months, discern the challenges facing the Congregation, and continue its work of animation and governance in service of the Salesian mission.