{"id":19727,"date":"2025-03-28T18:07:10","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T01:07:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/?p=19727"},"modified":"2025-04-22T19:02:18","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T02:02:18","slug":"fr-attards-profession-of-faith-as-the-11th-successor-of-don-bosco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/2025\/03\/28\/fr-attards-profession-of-faith-as-the-11th-successor-of-don-bosco\/","title":{"rendered":"Fr. Attard\u2019s Profession of Faith as the 11th Successor of Don Bosco"},"content":{"rendered":"

(ANS \u2013 Turin)\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 This was a special moment, a formal but necessary ritual, a time of great joy and unity, but also a chance to give meaning and depth to the beginning of a new journey that the Congregation has started with this 29th General Chapter. It all happened on Tuesday, March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, at the Grand Auditorium in Valdocco. That\u2019s where Fr. Fabio Attard, the new Rector Major and the 11th Successor of Don Bosco, took the oath of faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fr. Attard\u2019s Arrival and the Spontaneous Celebration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fr. Attard arrived in Turin by train from Rome, with a quick stop in Milan\u2014where, in true Don Bosco style, he took the time to meet and greet some young people. Upon arriving at Valdocco, he was warmly welcomed into the courtyard by representatives from different continents. His years of service and leadership around the world have made him many friends, and those who know him didn\u2019t want to wait for the official greetings to shower him with affection. Cheers, hugs, and heartfelt gestures accompanied him all the way to the theatre, where he was met with enthusiastic applause, music, and cheers from the entire assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ritual Profession of Faith<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The formal act of the profession of faith followed\u2014a solemn and institutional moment of the day. Through his expressions, words, and demeanor, the new Rector Major conveyed the significance of the occasion. Passages from the Salesian Constitutions were read, along with a Gospel passage emphasizing the role of authority as a service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the new Don Bosco, Fr. Attard reaffirmed his complete adherence to the deposit of faith of the Catholic Church and the Magisterium of the Popes, committing himself to leading the Congregation with fidelity to Christ and the Holy Father, in the spirit of Don Bosco. At the conclusion of the rite, Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, the Moderator of the 29th General Chapter, presented him with the Chapter badge, formally incorporating him among the members of the assembly. The official greetings then began, led by the President of the Chapter, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, followed by the Rector Major Emeritus, Fr. Pascual Ch\u00e1vez, and other distinguished guests, including Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians; Bishop Mauro Morfino of Alghero-Bosa; Sr. Leslie Sandigo, General Councilor for the Salesian Family; and Sr. Emma Bergandi, FMA Provincial of Piedmont-Valle d’Aosta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The First “Programmatic” Speech<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most anticipated moments for the more than 220 Chapter members present\u2014and for the thousands of Salesians and Don Bosco supporters following the event via livestream<\/a>\u2014was Fr. Attard\u2019s first address as Rector Major.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a speech lasting 20 minutes, he outlined perspectives and clear priorities, offering thought-provoking challenges. Speaking in a warm and direct tone, he emphasized the importance of clarity in Salesian identity and the significance of the day\u2019s event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Editor’s Note:<\/em> Translated videos of this speech can be found in<\/em> ANS Media – English<\/a> y ANS Media – Spanish<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Congregation as the Focus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe most important subject today is not Fabio Attard, but the Salesian Congregation<\/em>,\u201d he began, explaining that \u201ctoday, the Congregation has made a gesture that testifies not only to its vitality but also to the desire that this vitality continues through individuals chosen to serve for a period of time.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He highlighted that those who serve the Congregation are not alone but are part of a greater dynamic: \u201cwhere the Spirit of God is speaking\u2026 a human history that serves as a vessel for the power of a God who continues to create, redeem, and sanctify.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, his first exhortation to his confreres was to \u201cremain open to this story of salvation, which has its beginning and end in Jesus Christ,<\/em>\u201d starting with a sincere reflection on what it means to be a Salesian today. He urged them to truly embody the theme of the Chapter\u2014”Passionate about Jesus Christ, Dedicated to the Young<\/em>“\u2014and to reflect on their personal attitudes and desires in advancing the Congregation and its mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToday, as Salesians of Don Bosco<\/em>,\u201d he warned, \u201cwe are called to live our charism without falling into the trap of \u2018pastoral photocopies.\u2019 This is a danger we recognize intellectually\u2026 but making the transition from intellectual understanding to prophetic fidelity is not easy!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Passion for God to Passion for Humanity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building on this foundation, Fr. Attard pushed the reflection further. If the starting point is being rooted in Christ and conscious of the Salesian charism, then, in this era\u2014what Pope Francis has called “a change of epoch<\/em>“\u2014Salesians must carefully reconsider their educational service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre we benefactors, masters, suppliers\u2026 or are we servants?<\/em>\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drawing from his global experiences, Fr. Attard observed that young people today live in a single, interconnected village, and their fundamental questions are the same, whether in Vietnam, Brazil, Spain, India, or elsewhere. However, while their questions are shaped by this new era, their thirst for meaning remains timeless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe thirst is there\u2014but do we recognize it?<\/em>\u201d he challenged. \u201cIf we are truly servants of the young, we must provide spaces, people, and opportunities where this thirst can be acknowledged, encountered, and\u2014hopefully\u2014quenched with a cup of water offered.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This changing era should not be seen as an excuse or a problem but as an opportunity that must not be wasted. \u201cOur passion is the measure of our dedication, our fidelity is the backbone of our prophecy\u2014there is no alternative,<\/em>\u201d he stated emphatically. He also noted that, even from an external perspective, through media coverage, it was evident that the Chapter was genuinely listening to the Holy Spirit. However, the real challenge would be to translate this spirit, dynamic, and attitude into the daily work of the provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Salesians in War Zones<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, Fr. Attard dedicated a thought to the many Salesians serving in conflict zones, including Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Myanmar, Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese confreres need our spiritual closeness because they are there to bear witness\u2014they are the martyrs of the new century,<\/em>\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He cited the example of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, the Salesian missionary in Yemen who was kidnapped for 557 days between 2017 and 2018: \u201ca man of prayer, serenity\u2026<\/em>\u201d like so many other Sons of Don Bosco who, in extremely challenging circumstances, \u201ctestify that, for Jesus, it is worth being a Don Bosco today for young people.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Journey to Be Taken Together<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fr. Attard concluded with a final reminder about the nature of service and a heartfelt request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He emphasized that \u201cservice must be lived in a credible and visible way, first and foremost by the General Council. We are there as an example of synodality, communion, fraternity, and fatherhood. We are there to serve\u2014nothing more, nothing less.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, echoing Pope Francis, he asked for prayers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPray for me and for those you will elect to the General Council, because we are a community\u2014we are brothers.<\/em>\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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(ANS \u2013 Turin)\u00a0\u2013 This was a special moment, a formal but necessary ritual, a time of great joy and unity, but also a chance to give meaning and depth to the beginning of a new journey that the Congregation has started with this 29th General Chapter. It all happened on Tuesday, March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, at the Grand Auditorium … Continuar leyendo Fr. Attard\u2019s Profession of Faith as the 11th Successor of Don Bosco<\/span><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":10336596,"featured_media":19737,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[778661244,516714022],"tags":[35890],"class_list":["post-19727","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general-chapter-29","category-salesian-world-news","tag-featured"],"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p59ePG-58b","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/salesianbulletin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/54411616975_621e08d8a4_6k-e1743212297693.jpg?fit=600%2C400&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19727","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10336596"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19727"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19727\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19754,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19727\/revisions\/19754"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19727"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19727"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19727"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}