Don Fabio Attard has been elected as the new Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, succeeding Don Ángel Fernández Artime, who led the congregation from 2014 until 2024. The election occurred during the 29th General Chapter held at the Casa madre in Valdocco, Turin, marking a significant moment in the history of the Salesians, which encompasses a presence in 136 countries worldwide.
Born on March 23, 1959, in Gozo, Malta, Don Attard was raised in Victoria, where his educational journey began at the local public schools. His calling to the Salesian vocation emerged during his time at the Major Seminary of Gozo between 1975 and 1978. Afterward, he pursued further formation at the Salesian aspirantate at Savio College in Dingli, Malta, before completing his novitiate in Dublin.
Don Attard made his religious profession as a Salesian of Don Bosco on September 8, 1980, in Maynooth, Ireland. Following this, he earned a degree in Theology from the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) and a Licentiate in Moral Theology from the Alfonsian Academy in Rome. His ordination as a priest took place on July 4, 1987.
He dedicated the early years of his ministry to establishing the Salesian presence in Tunisia from 1988 to 1991, a significant initiative in a predominantly non-Christian context. Upon returning to Malta, Don Attard took on leadership roles, serving as the Rector of St. Patrick's Salesian School and the Salesian Oratory between 1993 and 1996.
In 1999, he completed his doctoral research at the Milltown Institute for Philosophy and Theology, focusing on the theme of conscience within the Anglican sermons of John Henry Newman. His expertise in theology subsequently led him to become a faculty member at the Pontifical Salesian University, contributing significantly to the academic development of future theologians.
Don Attard's leadership capabilities became more prominent in 2008 when he was elected as the General Councillor for Youth Ministry during the 26th General Chapter. His work culminated in the publication of the Salesian Youth Ministry Framework in 2013, which provided updated guidelines for Salesian pastoral engagement globally. He was re-elected for a second term in 2014 and continued to guide the Salesian congregation until 2020.
During his tenure, he promoted numerous international initiatives, including the International Congress on Youth Ministry and Family in Madrid in 2017. His advocacy extended to addressing critical contemporary issues such as marginalization and poverty. Don Attard strengthened educational programs, launching initiatives like Don Bosco Tech Africa and Don Bosco Tech ASEAN and representing the Salesians at important international forums on youth policy in Brussels and New York.
Recognized for his impactful contributions, Pope Francis appointed him as a consultant to the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life in 2018. His involvement with the Synod on Young People that same year showcased his commitment to ensuring youth voices were amplified and integrated within the church's life.
From 2020 to 2023, Don Attard was responsible for coordinating Salesian and Lay Formation in Europe, a project that resulted in launching a master’s program to train Salesians and lay collaborators, managed by the Pontifical Salesian University.
Now, as the new Rector Major, Don Fabio Attard will lead a congregation consisting of over 13,750 consecrated Salesians across 92 provinces and 136 nations. His election is viewed as a new dawn for the Salesian Congregation, poised to guide it into a future characterized by a deeper commitment to education, evangelization, and social transformation. Don Attard's vision and experience will undoubtedly inspire many as they continue the mission of Don Bosco, focusing particularly on youthful populations, especially those in need.
