The central nave of the Valdocco basilica was filled with the 230 Chapter members who had spent over 50 days in the meeting halls and courtyards of Valdocco, discerning the best ways to listen to the Holy Spirit and give life to the Chapter’s theme: “Passionate about Jesus Christ, dedicated to young people. For a faithful and prophetic living of our Salesian vocation.”
The solemnity of the moment was immediately felt by all. The Mass was likely a historic first in the Congregation’s history—bringing together three Rectors Major concelebrating in the global heart of Salesian spirituality. At the same time, it marked a symbolic and spiritual passing of the torch between the 10th Successor of Don Bosco (Cardinal Artime) and the 11th (Fr. Attard), as this was the first opportunity for a face-to-face meeting since Cardinal Artime assumed new responsibilities as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (DIVCSVA). Their meeting was further enriched by the warm and wise presence of the 9th Successor, Fr. Chávez, whose frequent interventions throughout the Chapter provided deep spiritual insight and synthesis.
“A very meaningful celebration,” Cardinal Artime called it. “Everything takes us back to the origins of this precious adventure and reality, to the place where our Father heard what God was asking of him, and from where everything began. Vocationally and charismatically, we were all born here. Today is a beautiful moment to thank the Lord for the many signs of the Holy Spirit at the end of this Chapter.”
During the homily, Cardinal Artime emphasized once more: “How could we not bless and thank the Lord for the grace, mercy, and love with which He cares for and watches over Don Bosco’s Family—especially his Salesian sons and daughters today?”
Quoting Pope Francis several times—both his message to GC29 and his recent encyclical Dilexit Nos on the Sacred Heart of Jesus—Cardinal Artime highlighted Don Bosco’s greatness: his ability to be moved, to let his heart be pierced by the suffering of abandoned youth, and to respond selflessly by dedicating his life entirely to their well-being.
He urged his fellow Salesians to be new Don Boscos for today’s world—“missionaries in love, captivated by Christ, and compelled to share the love that transformed their lives.”
He reminded them that Salesians are not masters of anything, least of all of young people—they are servants in the name of the Lord. He warned against the temptations of power and comfort, calling for a renewed passion for Christ, one that fuels total dedication to today’s youth. Every Salesian, he said, should be able to tell young people sincerely: “You can count on us. We exist for you and we will never abandon you.”
He also returned to a familiar theme from his ten years as Rector Major: the non-negotiable importance of fraternity. “It is not optional or accidental,” he said. “It is essential to our charism. When lived authentically, it becomes a powerful source of attraction—a true ‘magnetism.’”
The solemn Eucharistic celebration, beautifully accompanied by the basilica’s liturgical choir, ended with a symbolic and moving moment: a shared silent prayer at the urn of Don Bosco by Fr. Chávez, Cardinal Artime, and the new Rector Major, Fr. Attard. Together, they entrusted the Salesian Congregation’s mission to Don Bosco’s fatherly and ongoing protection—for the good of young people all over the world.
