(ANS – Rome) – On the morning of Friday, December 5, 2025, the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fr. Fabio Attard, met with a group of journalists and media professionals responsible for communications for Catholic congregations and institutions active in Rome. The visit, organized in collaboration with the ISCOM association, the Salesians, and the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, allowed all those present to learn more about Salesian spirituality, the figure of Don Bosco, and that of his 11th successor today.

The event was coordinated by Fr. Sanjay Aind, SDB, a student at the University of the Holy Cross and assistant parish priest of the Salesian Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and was also attended by Fr. Fidel Maria Orendain, General Councillor for Social Communication.

Fr. Attard began by recalling his Maltese origins and the fact that, although he comes from Malta, his formation and service have taken place mainly outside his country – in Ireland, Italy, and Tunisia. During this period, he also felt the spiritual influence of John Henry Newman, who accompanied him in his early years of formation.

He then spoke about his formative period of the first four years lived in community: an important time, made up of study, silence, shared domestic life, and spiritual maturation. During those years, he cultivated a strong experience of prayer and reflection on the Gospel, learning the value of silence and interiority.

At the same time, from his early years, the Rector Major was confronted with the vulnerability of troubled young people, working in Malta with young people sent by the courts and social services.

He also recalled how significant it was for his growth to read letters, diaries, and texts from the Salesian tradition, which helped him to understand Don Bosco’s spirit more deeply.

Speaking about Christian leadership, he emphasized that it requires personal authenticity, humility, the ability to listen, and strong spiritual roots. His pastoral experience and the various services he has performed – as Rector, Provincial Councillor, Vicar, Delegate for Formation, member of economic and provincial commissions, and then as General Councillor for Youth Ministry – have shown him how delicate the responsibility of government is and how essential teamwork is, involving lay people in particular, right from the formation stage.

He also recalled his participation in international meetings, congresses, and experiences in various provinces – such as Madrid, and especially in geographical regions such as Africa and India, where he was able to witness first-hand the impressive vitality of the Salesian Family. He emphasized how, in these contexts, the charism continues to grow with great creativity and depth.

The 11th Successor of Don Bosco then reflected on the profound cultural and social changes of our time: globalization, new economic models, technological transformations, and increasing secularization. He observed that many young people are distant from traditional forms of religion, but at the same time show a surprisingly lively spiritual search. He also cited sociological studies and cultural trends that speak of a “diffuse” spirituality rather than an institutional one.

He referred to his experience in Spain and the growing importance of new media, such as podcasts and digital communication, which open up new avenues for evangelization. In all this, he reiterated that Jesus Christ remains the center of the Salesian mission, and that every formative path must help to bring out this centrality.

Speaking about inter-provincial collaboration, he highlighted how many provinces today work together, sharing resources and common formation programs: a natural evolution of the Salesian mission in a globalized world.

Fr. Attard then addressed the topic of Artificial Intelligence, saying that the Church and the Salesians must understand it, discern its impact well, and accompany young people in this new cultural scenario, as Pope Leo XIV also encourages.

Finally, he concluded by stating that the Salesian mission today requires renewed passion, collaboration, the ability to read the signs of the times, and deep attention to spirituality. Only in this way can Don Bosco’s charism continue to be alive, fruitful, and incisive for the young people of the world.

After the cordial conversation with the Rector Major, the journalists continued the morning by visiting the Sacred Heart Basilica, the Salesian Headquarters, and the new Don Bosco House Museum in Rome.