Salesian Headquarters is by its very nature the place of worldwide coordination of the entire Salesian Family and is the official residence of the Rector Major, the Successor of Don Bosco who leads the Congregation found in 137 nations around the world, and of the General Council which coordinates Salesian activity.
Geographically, since 2017 - that is, following the move from the previous General House located in Via della Pisana - it stands next to Termini Station, Rome's central railway station, in a strategic position in the heart of the capital.
The structure is an integral part of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Castro Pretorio, the universal church of devotion to the Sacred Heart. Renovation began in 2022 to adapt the rooms to the functions of the Rector Major's house and to meet the needs of the Congregation's worldwide governance.
The complex has a profound historical value for the Salesians. It is the first house founded by Don Bosco in Rome, at the request of Pope Leo XIII. Don Bosco accepted the Pope's command in 1880; from then on he travelled through Italy, France and Spain begging alms from benefactors, and managed to complete the Work, not without great effort, in 1887. Celebrating the only Mass in the Basilica at the altar of Mary Help of Christians on 16th May 1887 - only a few months before his death - Don Bosco understood his vocation as educator of the young, and was moved by what the Lord had achieved in his life.
In addition to being the seat of central government of the Congregation, the Sacred Heart House also takes care of the Sacred Heart Basilica, the animation of a Youth Centre, service to the poor and refugees and custody of the renovated ‘Casa Don Bosco Museum’ in Rome, which has also undergone a radical regeneration process carried out in the context of the works that have just been completed.
Opening programme
In order to worthily celebrate the completion of the works that have involved the entire structure for three years, the Congregation has organised a special event, which will take place on Friday 27 June, significantly on the liturgical Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
This is the programme (starting at 11.30 a.m.)
- Introduction to the celebration, by Fr Francesco Marcoccio, Director of the Salesian community ‘Sacred Heart’
- Address by the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Stefano Martoglio, on: The institutional meaning of a Headquarters
- Address by the Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard, on: Don Bosco in Rome yesterday and today
- Talk by Card. Giuseppe Versaldi, Titular of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and former Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, on: The challenges of educating young people today for the Church
- Address by Dr. Barbara Funari, Councillor for Youth Policies of the Municipality of Rome, on The educational challenges in Rome
- Official opening of the ‘Casa Don Bosco Museum’, with a prayer of blessing and a short guided tour for groups.
In addition to the personalities already mentioned, numerous authorities confirmed their presence:
- Dr Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome
- Dr. Lorenza Bonaccorsi, President of the 1st Municipality
- General Ugo Cantoni, Commander of the Lazio Carabinieri Legion
- Dr. Roberto Massucci, Questore of Rome
- Ms. Teresa Zubieta, Ambassador of Bolivia to the Holy See
- Dr. Mirko Del Bianco, Commander Carabinieri Station Macao
- Dr. Roberto Arneodo, Head of the Viminale Commissariat
- Dr. Guido Calzia, Director of the Municipal Police in the Historic Centre
- Father Arturo Sosa, Jesuit Superior General and USG President
- Br. Ignacio Ceja Jiménez, Vicar General of the Order of Friars Minor
- Father Leonir Chiarello, Superior General of the Scalabrinians
- Father Roberto Viera, Superior General of the Sons of Divine Providence
- Father Roberto Villa, Representative Superior General Oblates of Mary Immaculate
- Fr Roberto Colameo, Superior Circumscription Central Italy (ICC)
- Fr José Aníbal Mendonça, Superior of the Vice-Province of the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS)
- Fr Andrea Bozzolo, Rector of the Pontifical Salesian University
- Fr Roberto Dal Molin, Superior of the Lombardy-Emilian Province (ILE)
- Fr Elio Cesari, Director of the National Centre for Salesian Works (CNOS)
The opening of Salesian Headquarters will be a moment of celebration not only for the local Salesian community, but also for the entire city community and for all those who, following Don Bosco's example, believe in the educational commitment on behalf of the young people most in need.
