(ANS - Turin) - The 29th General Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de Sales has elected the new Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard.

He is the 11th successor of Don Bosco, called to lead the Salesian Congregation and to perpetuate its charism in the service of young people, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, in 136 nations around the world.

The 220 provincials and delegates, gathered at the historic Mother House of Valdocco in Turin, after an intense journey of synodal discernment, have chosen Fr. Fabio Attard as Rector Major. He fully embodies the contemporary Salesian identity. With his charism, Fr. Fabio will animate and govern a community composed of 13,750 consecrated members, organized into 92 provinces across five continents.

A Journey of Faith and Formation

Born on March 23, 1959, in Gozo, Malta, Fr. Fabio Attard grew up in Victoria, where he attended public primary and secondary schools. His vocation began to take shape during his years at the Major Seminary of Gozo (1975-1978). Later, he entered the Salesian aspirantate at Savio College in Dingli, Malta, before preparing for the novitiate in Dublin. On September 8, 1980, he made his religious profession as a Salesian of Don Bosco in Maynooth, Ireland.

Fr. Attard pursued his studies with great dedication, earning a degree in Theology from the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) and a Licentiate in Moral Theology from the prestigious Accademia Alfonsiana in Rome. Ordained a priest on July 4, 1987, he embarked on a ministry deeply rooted in pastoral care and academic research.

A Missionary and Educator in the Service of the World

Fr. Attard's missionary spirit manifested itself from the early years of his Salesian life. From 1988 to 1991, he was part of the group of Salesians who initiated the Congregation's presence in Tunisia, in a predominantly non-Christian context, where he laid the foundations for evangelical and educational service. Returning to Malta, he assumed leadership roles as Rector of St. Patrick's Salesian School and the Salesian Oratory, where he served from 1993 to 1996.

In 1999, Fr. Attard completed his doctoral research on the theme of conscience within the Anglican sermons of John Henry Newman at the Milltown Institute for Philosophy and Theology. Thanks to his expertise, he became part of the faculty of the Pontifical Salesian University, during which he also co-directed doctoral theses at the Alphonsian Academy and contributed to the academic formation of future theologians.

A Visionary for Youth Ministry

Fr. Attard's role as a global leader materialized in 2008, when he was elected the General Councillor for Youth Ministry during the 26th General Chapter. Re-elected for a second term in 2014, he held this position until 2020, guiding the Salesian Congregation in its mission for and with young people.

Under his coordination, the Salesian Youth Ministry Framework (2013) was published, a foundational document offering updated guidelines for Salesian pastoral work worldwide. Fr. Attard promoted global initiatives such as the International Congress on Youth Ministry and the Family (Madrid, 2017) and coordinated activities to address issues such as marginalization, poverty, and migration.

He also strengthened missionary volunteer programs and consolidated technical and vocational education and training (TVET) through initiatives like Don Bosco Tech Africa and Don Bosco Tech ASEAN, representing the Salesians at important international forums on youth policy, migration, and youth employment in Brussels and New York.

A Bridge Between Theology and Pastoral Care

In addition to his administrative roles, Fr. Attard has always stood out as a builder of bridges between theology and pastoral care. In 2005, he founded and directed the Pastoral Formation Institute in Malta, dedicated to the training of lay people engaged in pastoral ministry. He continued to teach as a visiting professor at the Pontifical Salesian University, contributing to the intellectual and spiritual development of Salesian educators and their collaborators.

His contribution to the universal Church was recognized in 2018, when Pope Francis appointed him as a Consultant to the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. His participation in the Synod on Young People (2018) highlighted his commitment to giving voice to young people and fostering their greater integration into the life of the Church.

A Leader for the Future of the Salesian Congregation

At the end of his term as General Councillor, Fr. Attard was tasked with coordinating Salesian and Lay Formation in Europe from 2020 to 2023. This project led to the creation of a master's program for the formation of Salesians and lay collaborators, now managed by the Pontifical Salesian University in collaboration with the Youth Ministry Sector.

Carrying Forward Don Bosco's Dream

As the new Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard will lead a Congregation composed of 13,750 consecrated Salesians, organized in 92 provinces and present in 136 nations. With his deep spirituality, charismatic vision, brilliant academic career, and decades of experience, he is fully prepared to animate and govern the Salesian Congregation and the Salesian Family in the 21st century.

His election represents a new dawn for the Salesian Congregation, which, under his leadership, will continue to grow as a global force for education, evangelization, and social transformation. Fr. Attard will inspire and motivate Salesians, lay collaborators, and young people worldwide to carry forward Don Bosco's mission: to be witnesses and bearers of God's love for young people, especially the most in need.

Under his leadership, the Salesian Congregation will continue to flourish, carrying forward Don Bosco's dream and transforming the lives of thousands of young people worldwide. He is called to lead the second-largest religious Congregation in the world, generating hope and light for new generations. 

(Rome, October 15, 2024) – The Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF) is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to discovering and nurturing the creative talents of young filmmakers from around the globe. Organized by the Salesians of Don Bosco, the festival aims to inspire and empower youth in the field of media while promoting social responsibility. It provides an exceptional platform for young filmmakers to showcase their talents, encouraging them to use the powerful medium of visual storytelling to contribute positively to society. By merging creativity with a commitment to social change, DBGYFF invites young artists to share their unique visions, inspiring meaningful dialogue and action within their communities.

Over the course of its previous two seasons, the festival has focused on diverse themes, reaching millions of young people worldwide. This year’s theme, "I Have a Dream: Youth and Climate Change – Making Mother Earth Cleaner and Greener," resonates deeply with the urgent calls for environmental action. The festival seeks to inspire youth to envision a sustainable future and empowers them to advocate for climate change mitigation and environmental conservation.

Welcoming participants aged 14 to 25, the DBGYFF offered a range of competition categories, including 2-minute and 5-minute short films, 5-minute animation films, 5-minute music videos, and 10-minute documentaries. The submission period spanned from April 24 to August 7, 2024, allowing for an impressive array of creative works. A total prize pool of €120,000 will be awarded to outstanding entries across various categories, ensuring recognition for the hard work and creativity of young filmmakers.

This year’s festival is particularly noteworthy, with 1,287 submissions received from 110 countries. After a thorough evaluation by 114 preliminary jurors from 49 countries, 120 films have been shortlisted for screening. The festival will take place on October 17 and 18, 2024, unfolding simultaneously in multiple locations around the globe, creating a dynamic showcase of youth engagement and creativity. The shortlisted films will be sent to registered institutions, which will screen them alongside a reflection booklet and other necessary materials to facilitate effective discussions.

The grand finale will be held at the Loreto Theatre in the Sheen Centre, New York City, on October 18, 2024, where the winners of various awards will be announced. These winners are selected by a jury team consisting of 15 renowned media professionals from around the globe.

The selected films not only highlight the aspirations and creativity of young filmmakers but also serve as a powerful means of communication on critical environmental issues. DBGYFF creates a vibrant space for young creators to connect, collaborate, and engage in meaningful discussions about the themes presented in the films.

Participating in DBGYFF offers an opportunity to foster solidarity and collaboration among youth globally. By bringing together young individuals from diverse backgrounds, the festival facilitates dialogue and connection, promoting understanding and shared responsibility for our planet. The screenings, discussions, and interactive sessions will encourage students to reflect on their roles in addressing various environmental issues and inspire them to take action within their institutions and communities.

Hundreds of institutions worldwide have joined hands in celebrating this global initiative. By hosting screenings of the shortlisted films, educational institutions can provide their students with a unique opportunity to engage with pressing environmental issues while celebrating the creativity of their peers. Thus, DBGYFF serves not only as a showcase of talent but also as a catalyst for social action and meaningful change.

Any institution interested in organizing the festival for young people can register using the Google form Registration link after which the necessary festival resources will be shared digitally.   

Through the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival, young filmmakers have the chance to share their visions and dreams with the world, contributing to a collective movement for a just and sustainable future. This festival promises to be a remarkable celebration of youth creativity and environmental advocacy, illuminating the path toward a cleaner, greener planet for generations to come.

Further and more detailed information is available in the documents at the bottom of the page

(Rome, February 9, 2024) – The Strennas that Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, now Cardinal, has produced and disseminated in his 10 years at the head of the Salesian Congregation (2014-2024) are the subject of a publication by his Secretary and spokesperson, Fr Giuseppe Costa. The collection is entitled "Called to Love with Hope" and in the introduction among other things states, the authoritative contributions of journalist Enzo Romeo, professor of the Theological Faculty of Sicily Massimo Naro, and sociologist Cecilia Costa, of the University of Roma Tre, who, from their point of view, make a transversal reading of the volume.

The tradition of the Strennas by the Rectors Major of the Salesian Congregation represents a special element of Don Bosco's legacy. In the Salesian context, the Strenna is a symbolic and significant gift offered by the Rector Major – the Superior General of the Congregation – to those who share the Salesian mission in the world. It is usually offered at Christmas time, between Christmas and New Year, to inspire the pastoral care for the following year.

In addition to offering readers the full texts of the messages of the Strennas offered by the 10th Successor of Don Bosco, the book includes posters created by the Salesian Info Agency (ANS) on the occasion of the annual publication of the individual Strennas, and is also enriched with some other photos, provided by ANS and by "IME Comunications", relating to trips, visits, meetings and moments in the life of Ángel Fernández Artime.

On Thursday, 29 February 2024, the book will be presented at the Maria Santissima Bambina Institute, at Via Paolo VI, Rome, during an event that can also be followed remotely by watching the live stream available on YouTube.

The presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. (UTC+1), with an introduction by Fr Giuseppe Costa, editor of the volume. Speeches will then be given by Valentina Alazraki, Vatican Journalist, correspondent for "Televisa" (Mexico); Roberto Cipriani, Professor emeritus of Sociology, University of Roma Tre; Marco Girardo, Director of "Avvenire"; and Arianna Rotondo, Professor of History of Christianity and the Churches, University of Catania and Card. Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians. The moderator of the presentation will be Luca Caruso, Journalist, Press Officer of the "Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation".