The Salesian Congregation has ushered in a new chapter in its history with the election of Fr. Fabio Attard as the 11th successor of St. John Bosco.
His appointment follows the elevation of the previous Rector Major to the rank of Cardinal, marking a significant transition for the religious community dedicated to youth education and pastoral care worldwide.
Fr. Attard was elected during the 29th General Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de Sales, a momentous event that gathered Salesians from across 136 countries.
With a wealth of experience in theological education, pastoral ministry, and youth formation, Fr. Attard is poised to lead the second-largest religious congregation into a future deeply rooted in Don Bosco’s mission of service to the young, especially the most vulnerable.
A Journey of Faith and Leadership
Born on March 23, 1959, in Gozo, Malta, Fr. Attard’s journey to leadership began in his hometown of Victoria. His early formation at the Major Seminary of Gozo (1975-1978) led him to the Salesian aspirantate at Savio College in Malta before completing his novitiate in Dublin, Ireland.
On September 8, 1980, he made his religious profession as a Salesian of Don Bosco and later earned degrees in Theology from the Pontifical Salesian University and a Licentiate in Moral Theology from the Accademia Alfonsiana in Rome.
Ordained a priest in 1987, Fr. Attard quickly established himself as a dynamic missionary and educator.
His early years saw him serve in Tunisia (1988-1991), where he helped lay the foundation for the Salesian presence in a non-Christian context. Returning to Malta, he led St. Patrick’s Salesian School and the Salesian Oratory from 1993 to 1996.
His academic contributions include doctoral research on John Henry Newman’s theology of conscience, completed at the Milltown Institute for Philosophy and Theology in 1999.
He later joined the faculty of the Pontifical Salesian University, where he mentored future theologians and pastoral leaders.
A Champion for Youth Ministry
Fr. Attard’s global impact became evident in 2008 when he was elected as the General Councillor for Youth Ministry, a role he held until 2020.
His tenure saw the launch of the Salesian Youth Ministry Framework (2013), a key document that continues to guide the congregation’s educational and pastoral work.
He was instrumental in organizing international initiatives such as the Youth Ministry and Family Congress in Madrid (2017) and played a crucial role in addressing social issues like youth marginalization, poverty, and migration.
Recognizing the need for technical and vocational training, Fr. Attard strengthened institutions such as Don Bosco Tech Africa and Don Bosco Tech ASEAN.
His advocacy for youth employment and education took him to global platforms in Brussels and New York, where he represented the Salesians in discussions on migration and youth policy.
Bridging Theology and Pastoral Care
Beyond administration, Fr. Attard has consistently championed the integration of theology and pastoral ministry.
In 2005, he founded the Pastoral Formation Institute in Malta to equip laypeople for active ministry. His contributions to the universal Church were further recognized in 2018 when Pope Francis appointed him as a Consultant to the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life.
He also participated in the Synod on Young People, reinforcing his commitment to ensuring that youth have a voice in the Church.
Carrying Forward Don Bosco’s Legacy
As he assumes the role of Rector Major, Fr. Attard will oversee a congregation of 13,750 Salesians across 92 provinces.
His leadership is expected to usher in a period of renewal, ensuring that Don Bosco’s vision remains relevant in a rapidly changing world.
His election signals hope for the Salesian Family, with many looking to him for continuity, innovation, and a deepened commitment to the mission of evangelization and education.
Under his guidance, the Salesian Congregation is set to strengthen its impact as a global force for social transformation, empowering young people through education, faith, and service.
Fr. Fabio Attard’s journey—from a small town in Malta to the helm of one of the world’s largest religious congregations—is a testament to faith, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to the mission of Don Bosco.
