Just over a week ago, a historic moment unfolded for the Salesians of Don Bosco, a congregation deeply cherished across India and the world.
On March 22, Fr. Fabio Attard, a Maltese priest known for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to youth, was elected as the new Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation. For the Indian faithful, where the Salesians have long been a beacon of education and hope, this appointment signals a vibrant future rooted in Don Bosco’s dream.
Fr. Attard steps into a monumental role, leading 13,750 consecrated Salesians spread across 92 provinces in 136 nations, including a strong presence in India. With over 200 Salesian institutions in the country—from schools in bustling cities like Mumbai and Kolkata to vocational centres in rural Tamil Nadu and Northeast India—his election resonates deeply here. His leadership promises to amplify the Salesian mission of empowering youth, a cause close to the heart of India’s burgeoning young population.
A Leader Shaped by Faith and Service
Born on March 23, 1959, in Gozo, Malta, Fr. Attard’s journey reflects a life of dedication. From his early education in Victoria to his theological training at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, where he earned a degree and later a Licentiate in Moral Theology, his path has been marked by intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. Ordained a priest in 1987, he soon embraced Don Bosco’s charism of service, a legacy that thrives in India’s Salesian schools and oratories.
Fr. Attard’s missionary zeal took him to Tunisia from 1988 to 1991, where he pioneered evangelical and educational work in a challenging non-Christian context—an experience that could inspire India’s Salesians working in diverse, multi-faith communities. Back in Malta, he led St. Patrick’s Salesian School and the Salesian Oratory, honing his skills as an educator and pastor, qualities that will undoubtedly influence his approach to India’s vast network of Salesian initiatives.
A Global Vision for Youth
Fr. Attard’s tenure as General Councillor for Youth Ministry (2008–2020) showcased his global influence. He spearheaded the Salesian Youth Ministry Framework in 2013, a document that continues to guide pastoral work in places like Don Bosco Tech India, which equips underprivileged youth with vocational skills. His focus on technical and vocational education mirrors India’s own push for skill development, with Salesian centres like Don Bosco Tech in Pune and Chennai transforming lives through training in trades like mechanics and IT.
His international advocacy—representing Salesians at forums in Brussels and New York on youth policy, migration, and employment—strikes a chord in India, a nation grappling with similar issues. Fr. Attard’s initiatives, such as Don Bosco Tech Africa and ASEAN, could inspire further collaboration between Indian Salesians and their global counterparts, fostering innovation in education and social outreach.
Bridging Faith and Action
A scholar and a pastor, Fr. Attard has long bridged theology and practical care. His doctoral research on conscience in John Henry Newman’s sermons and his teaching at the Pontifical Salesian University reflect an intellectual heft that could enrich India’s Salesian educators. In 2005, he founded Malta’s Pastoral Formation Institute, training laypeople for ministry—a model that could bolster India’s growing lay involvement in Church activities.
His appointment by Pope Francis in 2018 as a Consultant to the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, and his role in the Synod on Young People, underscore his commitment to youth inclusion— a priority for India, where young Catholics seek a stronger voice in the Church.
A Bright Future for India’s Salesians
Fr. Attard’s election comes at a pivotal time. In India, the Salesians run orphanages, shelters for street children, and schools that uplift the marginalised—work that aligns with his passion for the needy. His recent role coordinating Salesian and lay formation in Europe (2020–2023) led to a master’s programme for educators, a template that could enhance training for India’s Salesian teachers and collaborators.
As he takes the helm, Fr. Attard inherits a legacy that thrives in India’s classrooms and playgrounds. From the bustling Don Bosco School in Matunga, Mumbai, to the remote missions of Arunachal Pradesh, his leadership will inspire a renewed zeal for Don Bosco’s mission: to serve youth with compassion and innovation. For India’s Salesians and the millions they touch, Fr. Fabio Attard’s tenure promises to be a transformative chapter in a story of faith, education, and hope.
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