(ANS – Córdoba) – The city of Córdoba hosted a significant and moving event. During the celebration of the Eucharist of the Good Shepherd, and in the presence of the provincial community, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, Fr. Julio César Boffelli officially assumed his role as the new Provincial of the Salesian Province of Argentina North for the 2026–2032 term. The ceremony, presided over by the Regional Councilor, Fr. Gabriel Romero, brought together provincial superiors from across the region, including Fr. Manolo Cayo, Provincial of Argentina South; Fr. Francisco Lezama, Provincial of Uruguay; Fr. Néstor Ledesma, Provincial of Paraguay; the Provincial Council of Argentina North; and consecrated Salesians, members of the Salesian Family, laypeople, and young people from various communities, who joyfully participated in this moment of grace and renewal for the Salesian mission in the province.

During his homily, Fr. Gabriel Romero emphasized: “As guides, as shepherds, and as animators, our service must be centered on Jesus Christ so that, while guiding others, we always return to Him who is the source and the call of our mission. We must allow ourselves to be guided by Jesus and, through intimacy with Him, carry forward the mission.”

Upon assuming this new ministry, Fr. Julio Boffelli expressed his gratitude to God: “I accept this with faith. I thank God; He trusts in me. I also thank my brothers for their trust.” At the conclusion, he asked the Lord that, in this service, he might be granted the grace to be “a brother among brothers, to have a Samaritan and merciful heart, and to grow daily in humility.”

During the celebration, deep gratitude was also expressed for the generous dedication of Fr. Horacio Barbieri, who has concluded his term as Provincial. Fr. Julio Boffelli’s new mission has been entrusted to the protection of Mary Help of Christians and St. John Bosco.

In a spirit of family, the Salesian Province of Argentina North gives thanks to God for this new beginning and invites the entire community to accompany Fr. Julio Boffelli with their prayers in this new phase, so that, guided by the Holy Spirit, he may continue to promote Don Bosco’s mission in the service of children, adolescents, and young people.