The election of Fr. Fabio Attard as the 11th successor of Don Bosco marks a historic moment for the Salesian Congregation and the Salesian Family worldwide. Elected during the 29th General Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Fabio Attard fully embodies Don Bosco’s charism and is preparing to lead the Salesian mission dedicated to young people, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, in 136 nations. With extensive theological, pastoral, and academic experience, Fr. Attard is called to guide the Salesian Congregation toward a renewed future, bringing Don Bosco’s dream to the heart of the contemporary world.
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.
Source: ANS
Father Fabio Attard, New Rector Major of the Salesians