(ANS – Turin) – On the morning of Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, the Salesian Family of Piedmont, Valle d’Aostay Lithuania gathered to mark the beginning of Fr. Giorgio Degiorgi’s term as the new Superior of the Mary Help of Christians Special Circumscription (ICP). The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by the Councilor for the Mediterranean Region, Fr. Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, and accompanied by the Basilica Choir, took place in an atmosphere of deep gratitude and sincere communion in the home of Don Bosco, which continues to be a source of charism and mission.

The Gospel reading, the well-known parable of the vine and the branches (John 15:1–8), guided the Regional Councilor’s homily and his words of encouragement to Fr. Degiorgi. It was an invitation to remain in the Lord in order to bear fruit:

“I am the vine, you are the branches… Whoever remains in me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for without me you can do nothing… Remain in my love.”

These words accompanied the entire celebration and will serve as a guide for the spiritual journey of the new Provincial.

The Handover

With this celebration, Fr. Leonardo Mancini concluded his service as Provincial, bidding farewell to the province and passing the responsibility to the new Superior. In his farewell letter, published a few days before the end of his term, Fr. Mancini—a native of Roma and former Superior of the Central Italy Circumscription (ICC)—reflected on his six years leading the Province and, among his many expressions of gratitude, wrote:

“I have learned to love this land deeply and, naturally, the people who live here (…). The ICP is a beautiful province of which we can be humbly and wholeheartedly proud! Starting with its charismatic significance, unique in the world, stemming from the presence of the places where the charism originated and first developed (…); followed by the abundance of examples of holiness offered to us by the social saints close to Don Bosco (…); and continuing with its many natural, historical, artistic, and industrial treasures…”

Concluding with a thought for his successor, he described Fr. Degiorgi as “a person rich in human and spiritual qualities, held in high esteem by all,” with “his heart turned toward the poorest young people, just like Don Bosco.”

Fr. Degiorgi’s Words: “I Need You”

For his part, the new Provincial expressed the commitment that will characterize his new ministry:

“I place myself under the protection of St. Charles Borromeo, the saint of my origins and a model of the Good Shepherd. On my own, I will not be able to fulfill the task entrusted to me by the Rector Major. But I know I am not alone. That is why I tell you, ‘I need you,’ each and every one of you. For my part, I promise that all my strength, all my time, and my whole self over the next six years will be devoted to each of you.”

At the conclusion of the celebration, following the traditional group photos in front of Don Bosco’s altar in the Basilica, the community gathered in the courtyard at Valdocco for a time of fraternal fellowship. The event was enriched by a buffet prepared by the students of the Vocational Training Center, providing an opportunity to bid farewell to Fr. Degiorgi, thank Fr. Mancini, and celebrate the joy of this new beginning.

Source: Salesians ICP