Official Opening of the New Salesian Generalate
Sacred Heart Basilica with adjacent generalate
(ANS)
(ANS – Rome – June 23, 2025) –
The Salesian generalate (international headquarters), located in Rome at Via
Marsala 42, represents the organizational heart of the worldwide Salesians of
Don Bosco. It is located next to the basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in
the Castro Pretorio neighborhood. Don Bosco himself built the church, the
spiritual heart of devotion to the Sacred Heart worldwide.
On Friday, June 27, the
renovated Salesian headquarters will be officially opened after 3 years of
intense work that have radically transformed the establishment. This house has been
the Congregation’s seat since 2017, following a move from the previous generalate
located on Via della Pisana far outside the city center.
The Salesian generalate is by
its nature the place of worldwide coordination of the entire Salesian Family
and is the official residence of the rector major, the successor of Don Bosco.
He leads the Congregation in 137 nations around the world, and presides over the
general council, which coordinates Salesian activity.
Geographically, this house
stands across the street from the Termini Station, Rome’s central railway
station, in a strategic position in the heart of the capital. It is an integral
part of the basilica of the Sacred Heart. Renovation began in 2022 to adapt the
rooms to the functions of the rector major’s house and to meet the needs of the
Congregation’s worldwide governance.
The complex has a profound
historical value for the Salesians. It is the first house founded by Don Bosco
in Rome, at the request of Pope Leo XIII. Don Bosco accepted the Pope’s command
to build the church in 1880; from then on, he travelled through Italy, France,
and Spain begging alms from benefactors, and managed to complete the work, with
great effort, in 1887. Celebrating the only Mass in the church at the altar of
Mary Help of Christians on May 16, 1887 – only a few months before his death –
Don Bosco understood his vocation as educator of the young, and was moved by
what the Lord had achieved in his life.
Sacred Heart's interior courtyard
(Fr. Gabriel Stawowy)
In addition to being the seat
of central government of the Congregation, the Sacred Heart community also
takes care of the Sacred Heart Basilica, animates a youth center, provinces services
for the poor and refugees, and cares for the renovated Casa Don Bosco Museum in
Rome, which also has undergone a radical regeneration process carried out in
the context of the works that have just been completed.
Opening program
In order to celebrate worthily the
completion of the works that have involved the entire structure for 3 years,
the Congregation has organized a special event, which will take place on June
27, significantly on the liturgical solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The program will start at 11:30
a.m. and will include
- Introduction to the celebration, by Fr.
Francesco Marcoccio, director of the Salesian community ‘Sacred Heart’
- Address by the vicar of the Rector Major, Fr.
Stefano Martoglio, on The institutional meaning of a
Headquarters
- Address by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard,
on Don Bosco in Rome yesterday and today
- Talk by Card. Giuseppe Versaldi, titular of
the basilica of the Sacred Heart and former prefect of the
Congregation for Catholic Education, on The challenges of
educating young people today for the Church
- Address by Dr. Barbara Funari, councilor for youth
policies of the city of Rome, on The educational challenges in
Rome
- Official opening of the Casa Don Bosco Museum,
with a prayer of blessing and a short guided tour for groups.
Numerous officials have confirmed
their participation, including Rome’s mayor, Dr. Roberto Gualtieri; the
superiors general (or their representatives) of the Jesuits, Friars Minor, Scalabrinians,
Orione Fathers, and Oblates of Mary Immaculate; ambassadors; civil officials;
Salesian provincials; and others.
The opening of the Salesian generalate
will be a moment of celebration not only for the local Salesian community, but
also for the entire city and all those who, following Don Bosco’s example,
believe in an educational commitment on behalf of young people most in need.
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