Grigio, Don Bosco's protector for many years

Grigio, Don Bosco’s protector for many years

By Fr. Tarcizio Odelli, with the use of AI

As recounted at the beginning of Chapter 2 in the Biographical Memoirs of St. John Bosco, vol. 16, Grigio, a faithful dog, protected Don Bosco and other members of the Salesian Family for many years.

In 1883, Don Bosco went to speak with the bishop of Ventimiglia to clarify certain matters. The conversation lasted until almost midnight. It was then that he had a joyful and unexpected encounter. It had rained heavily during the day. As he had to walk back, the darkness was compounded by the mud on the road, making it difficult to walk.

When Don Bosco, his eyesight now failing, could no longer see where to put his feet, an old friend of his appeared: the famous Grigio, whom he had not seen for many years. The dog approached him joyfully; then he began to walk ahead of him, just far enough to be seen in the dark. The dog walked at a slow, steady pace, so that anyone having difficulty walking could follow him, taking care to help him avoid the puddles by walking round them. When he reached the house, he disappeared.

Three further appearances of Grigio

The archives of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters) preserve 3 accounts concerning the appearances of Grigio.

On November 2, 1893, two sisters, while walking back from Assisi to their school in Cannara, were caught unawares by the fog and darkness, in an uninhabited area far from home. Fear took hold of them. One of them said to her companion: “Ah, if only Don Bosco would send us his Grigio!” “That’s right!” exclaimed the other. Barely 2 minutes had passed when a large dog began walking along with them. He was tall, with gray fur. He looked at them as if they were old acquaintances, wagging his tail. When they reached the school, the animal turned sharply and ran through the gate. The sisters rushed to stop him; but in the vast square and the adjacent street, they saw no sign of him.

In 1930, the sisters were building the house in Barranquilla, Colombia. Every day they received news of thefts and violence in the city and the surrounding area. Before work began, thieves had broken into the house on about 4 occasions. The sisters then prayed to Don Bosco to send his Grigio to protect them. Well, one night a pack of dogs, never before seen in the neighborhood, entered the corridor of the old house. There were 6 of them: they settled in the courtyards and the most remote corners. Once their fear had subsided, the sisters approached them and realized they were docile. The following day the dogs left one after the other just as they had entered, and so they did for a whole month. In this way they continued to stand guard until there was no longer any danger.

A 3d episode took place in Navarre, France, between 1898 and 1902. The sisters used to go into the woods to gather chestnuts, but they were afraid of being attacked. One day they heard some noises, but suddenly a huge dog approached, wagging its tail, circling round, and bringing its muzzle close to their backs as if to say: “Don’t be afraid, here I am!” “Could it be Don Bosco’s Grigio?’” the two remarked to each other. Just before reaching a village, they met some ladies they knew, traveling in a carriage, and stopped to chat; the dog disappeared, and they heard no more of him.

Source: boletimsalesiano.org.br

Don Bosco's Canonization 88 Years Ago

Pius XI’s Homily and the Special Characteristics of Don Bosco’s Canonization

88 Years Ago

Pope Pius XI carried thru St. Peter's Square

(ANS – Rome – April 1, 2026) – On April 1, 1934, Easter Sunday, in St. Peter’s Basilica Pope Pius XI solemnly proclaimed Don Bosco a saint. The choice of date was not accidental. Easter, the feast of Christ’s Resurrection, expresses the deepest meaning of Christian holiness: participation in the victory of life over death. By placing the canonization on the day of the Resurrection, the Church wished to affirm that Don Bosco’s holiness did not belong solely to the past but constituted a living and active presence within the communion of saints.

A Long Preparation and the Apostolic Letter Geminata Laetitia

The canonization represented the culmination of a long and rigorous canonical process. The cause had been introduced in 1890, just two years after the Saint’s death. In 1929 Don Bosco had been proclaimed Blessed, and in the years that followed the miracles required for canonization were examined and approved.

Once the necessary procedures had been completed, the Holy See prepared the apostolic letter of canonization, entitled Geminata Laetitia (“Twofold Joy”). The title expressed the double reason for rejoicing on that day: the Easter joy of the Church and the joy of enrolling a new saint in the register of the universal Church. In it, Pius XI officially proclaimed Don Bosco a saint, presenting him as a radiant honor of Italy and of the entire Catholic world, an exemplary priest and father of the young.

The Solemn Celebration in St. Peter’s

The ceremony was carried out with extraordinary solemnity. The Vatican basilica gathered a large college of cardinals, numerous bishops and priests, men and women religious, together with a vast number of lay faithful. Among them stood out the presence of thousands of Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Cooperators and, above all, young people from Salesian works.

Their participation was deeply symbolic. The Church was not canonizing a saint withdrawn into the silence of a cloister, but a priest who had lived among young people, in playgrounds, schools, and workshops. St. Peter’s Basilica seemed almost transformed into a great universal oratory, where the joy of the young bore witness to the fruitfulness of Don Bosco’s charism.

Contemporary accounts speak of profound emotion, prolonged applause, and a deep sense of gratitude. The event was perceived not only as a solemn liturgical act, but as the celebration of a spiritual father whose holiness was being officially recognized.

The Homily of Pius XI: Don Bosco Priest and Educator

The homily delivered by Pius XI during the solemn Mass remains one of the most significant papal texts concerning Don Bosco. The Pope first presented the new saint as “John, priest of Italy,” underlining the centrality of his priesthood. All his educational work sprang from his deep union with Christ and his total fidelity to the Church.

Pius XI highlighted several fundamental characteristics of his holiness: firmness of faith, heroic charity, pastoral courage, and ecclesial obedience. Don Bosco was not merely a philanthropist or a social reformer, but an authentic apostle of the young.

Particular emphasis was given to the educational dimension of his mission. The Pope presented him as a father and teacher of youth, capable of understanding the hearts of the young and guiding them through the Preventive System founded on reason, religion, and loving-kindness. In an era marked by ideological tensions and profound social change [Fascism in both Italy and Germany], the Church thus proposed a model of active holiness, rooted in pastoral charity and educational commitment.

St. Peter's Square packed for Don Bosco's canonization

An Event of Strong Ecclesial and Cultural Impact

The canonization had an immediate and lasting impact. It strengthened the identity of the Salesian Family and gave renewed impetus to Catholic education throughout the world. The letter Geminata Laetitia and the homily of Pius XI became reference texts for reflection on holiness lived in pastoral action and on the urgency of Christian education for the young.

The broad popular participation testified to Don Bosco’s profound spiritual and cultural influence. The presence of thousands of young people in St. Peter’s was an eloquent sign: the Church recognized in him a saint for modern times, an educator capable of uniting faith and human development.

The canonization was therefore not merely a liturgical act, but an event of living magisterium. In a period of great social and political transformation, the Church renewed her commitment to youth, presenting Don Bosco as a model for priests, educators, and Christian communities.

A Meaning that Endures through Time

Nearly a century later, the canonization of April 1, 1934, remains an event rich in significance. It represents the fulfilment of a long process of ecclesial discernment, a visible manifestation of the Church’s vitality among the young, and a pedagogical and spiritual point of reference for future generations.

The holiness of Don Bosco, proclaimed on the day of the Resurrection, continues to shine as a sign of hope. It reminds us that holiness is possible in daily life — in playgrounds and schools, in educational service and pastoral dedication. And the Church continues to look to St. John Bosco as father, teacher, and intercessor for young people thruout the world.

Homily for Tuesday of Holy Week

Homily for Tuesday of Holy Week

March 31, 2026
Is 49: 1-6
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

During Holy Week, we read the 4 songs or oracles of the Servant of the Lord from the prophet known as Second Isaiah.  On Sunday we heard the 1st oracle, today the 2d.  Christians have always seen these prophecies fulfilled in Christ.

The Annunciation (Juan Correa de Vivar)

Each follower of Christ also is the Lord’s servant.  Recall Mary’s self-description when Gabriel invited her to become the Messiah’s mother:  “I am the servant of the Lord” (Luke 1:38).

“From my mother’s womb he gave me my name” (Is 49:1).  That was true of Jesus (Luke 1:31; Matt 1:21).  He also chose and called each of us.  By naming us, he claimed us as his own, part of his family.  That’s true for every Christian, and in a particular way for every religious.  Some religious like yourselves even mark Jesus’ claim on you with a new name.

“You are my servant thru whom I show my glory” (49:3).  That’s why God calls us and names us:  to glorify him.  Jesus states that as his own purpose:  God is glorified in the Son of Man, and that redounds to his glory as well (John 13:31-32).  The most famous line in the writings of St. Irenaeus may be, “The glory of God is a full alive human,” one who lives in Christ.  That’s our glory and God’s at the same time, as parents glory in the accomplishments of their children.  That glory flows from our service to God:  “You are my servant thru whom I show my glory.”

The Lord chose his servant to restore Israel and to bring salvation to the ends of the earth (Is 49:6).  His servant Jesus has restored humanity’s covenant relationship with the Father—for all nations, not only Israel.  As religious as well as Christians, we’ve been given a share in that missionary purpose, extending the mission of our Lord Jesus.  How fortunate that the Christian Brothers as well as the Salesians have been “a light to the nations, reaching to the ends of the earth” (49:6).  Even in this house, you have that vocation, continuing what you began in Christ many years ago, also united mystically with your brothers around the world.

By fulfilling the call and the name bestowed on us, we’ll be “made glorious in the sight of the Lord” (49:5)—glorious with Christ risen.

Homily for Palm Sunday

Homily for Palm Sunday

March 29, 2026
Is 50: 4-7
Phil 2: 6-11
Matt 26: 14—27: 66
Assumption, Bronx
St. Francis Xavier, Bronx

Christ being tormented
(Hieronymus Bosch)

In the 1st reading, Isaiah prophesied about a servant of the Lord who would suffer beatings, mockery, and being spat on.  Christians see that fulfilled in our Lord’s passion.

In the 2d reading, St. Paul quotes a hymn about the Son of God’s lowering himself, debasing himself, to descend from the glory of heaven to our human condition and suffering all that implies, right up to the most humiliating and painful death known to the ancient world—crucifixion.

Why?  Because God loves us so much that he wanted to share our humanity completely—its pains, sorrows, and finally a miserable death.  If you’ve been paying any attention to the news, you know how painful the human condition can be.

In the Lord’s passion, we heard that Jesus had was betrayed by one of his own apostles and denied by Peter.  We heard him mocked by soldiers, leaders, and even criminals.  We heard how Pontius Pilate acted out of fear, not out of truth or justice.

But God’s love triumphed:  “God greatly exalted” Jesus, raising him from the tomb and bringing his humanity to the heights of heaven.  God’s love for us intends the same future for us if we accept Christ’s love and respond to it.

How?  By loving others—not mocking them, for example, as Jesus was mocked.  No gossip, no verbal abuse, no harsh treatment; rather, respect for the dignity of everyone, even those we don’t like.

Pilate washing his hands
(Gebhard Fugel)

By standing courageously with Jesus.  No denying that he’s our Lord and Savior.  No hiding in fear.  No compromising truth.  No injustice meted out to anyone out of fear or prejudice.

And by being grateful to God for his goodness to us—grateful prayer, reverence for his name, participation in the celebration of the Eucharist every week.  Eucharist means “thanksgiving,” and there’s no better thanks we can give to God than the Eucharist, thru which we commune intimately with the body and blood of Christ.

We prayed earlier that we might heed the lesson of Christ’s “patient suffering and so merit a share in his resurrection.”  Amen to that!

Homily for Friday, Week 5 of Lent

Homily for Friday
5th Week of Lent

March 27, 2026
John 10: 31-42
Salesian HS, New Rochelle, N.Y.

(by James Tissot)

The last line of the gospel is “many began to believe in him” (John 10: 42).  St. John uses the same words concerning the disciples after they witness Jesus’ miracle at the wedding in Cana (2:11), and of people generally 3 other times after they hear Jesus preach (2:23, 7:31, 8:30).

When it comes to faith in Jesus, and more particularly to living our faith in practice, all of us are beginners, no matter how long we’ve claimed to be Christians.  Our faith is always at least a little weak, a little tentative.  We stumble.  We sin.

Another way of saying it is that we’ve still trying to be fully converted to Christ.  We’re still learning how to follow him.  That’s why we prayed a few moments ago to be freed “from the bonds of the sins we have committed in our weakness” (Collect).

One of the Devil’s tools is discouragement.  He’d like us to think it’s too hard to follow Jesus, or that Jesus will discard us when we sin.  Yes, sometimes it is hard to do what’s right—to tell the truth, to do our homework rather than cheat, to listen to our parents, to break a bad habit of foul language or impurity.  We’re all “beginning to believe” in Jesus, beginning to learn to be virtuous.  Jesus will never turn us away because we’re just starting out, or are starting over again, when we approach him with our weak faith.  He never stops loving us.

Between War and Solidarity

Between War and Solidarity

Fear, displaced people, and hospitality at the Salesian house in El-Houssoun

(ANS - El-Houssoun, Lebanon – March 26, 2026) – On the feast of the Annunciation, March 25, Fr. Simon Zakerian, provincial of the Middle East Province, issued a statement providing an update on the situation in Lebanon and the Salesians’ efforts to welcome displaced persons.

The ongoing war

The war between the Israeli armed forces and the Hezbollah group continues to affect life profoundly in Lebanon, exacerbating an already fragile situation and hitting the civilian population hard. The country is currently facing a humanitarian crisis of vast proportions, while the conflict is affecting not only the infrastructure but also the social and psychological fabric of the population.

During a press conference in Beirut, Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine spoke openly of an emergency: since the start of the Israeli attacks, over a million people have been forced to leave their homes. Of these, around 126,000 have found refuge in 589 collective centers, while many others have been taken in by relatives or religious communities. Meanwhile, the minister for social affairs, Haneen Sayed, reported that hundreds of thousands of citizens have registered on the ministry’s websites to receive assistance. According to Lebanese authorities, as of March 24, the death toll has reached 1,072, including at least 94 children, while the number of injured stands at more than 2,876. From March 2 until today, the ordeal in the Land of the Cedars continues!

Beirut and the south under attack

The hardest-hit areas remain Beirut – particularly the southern suburbs and the Dahiyah district – along with numerous villages in the south of the country. The bombardments have damaged homes, schools and businesses, forcing thousands of families to live in conditions of constant fear and precariousness.

Among the most tragic incidents was the death of Maronite priest Pierre Al Rai, who was killed while trying to rescue people affected by a bombing. Pope Leo XIV chose to commemorate him by highlighting the significance of his surname, “Rai,” which in Arabic means “shepherd”: an image that aptly describes his choice to remain alongside the faithful until the very end, “like a true shepherd with his flock.”

Psychological warfare

Alongside the physical destruction, the conflict is generating a profound psychological crisis. Schools are operating intermittently, many economic activities have ground to a halt, and the future appears increasingly uncertain. Young people, in particular, express weariness and disillusionment: every attempt to return to a normal life – resuming studies, finding work, starting a family – is continually interrupted by new escalations of violence.

A crisis affecting the entire region

The war does not concern Lebanon alone. The country is home to numerous refugees from Syria and Iraq, many of whom had already fled previous conflicts. In the last 10 days, according to various estimates, over 110,000 Syrians have left Lebanon to return to Syria in an attempt to escape the bombardments. The Iraqi community, concentrated mainly in Beirut, is also once again living in a state of severe insecurity.

Children and families under pressure

Explosions punctuate daily life, often at night but sometimes even in broad daylight. Children, teachers, and families are among those most exposed to the strain of this constant tension. Although no injuries have been reported among those involved in educational and community activities, the need for human, educational, and psychological support is growing.

The Salesian house in El-Houssoun: a refuge in the storm

In this dramatic context, some organizations continue to offer practical help. Among these, the Salesian house in El-Houssoun, situated in a secluded area of Mount Lebanon, represents an important point of reference. Since its opening in 1957, the facility has welcomed people fleeing the war.

During the Lebanese civil war, the building was occupied by militiamen and turned into a training center, yet it remained a refuge for numerous displaced people, some of whom stayed there even after the conflict ended. Returning to Salesian management in 1986, the house reopened its doors on several occasions: in 1989, 1990, 2006, 2024, and once again now, in 2026.

Welcoming without distinction

Over the years, the reception has become increasingly organized. Thanks to collaboration with Salesian institutions and international organizations, the support offered includes not only accommodation, but also the distribution of food, clothing, medicines, healthcare, and psychological support.

Particular attention is paid to young people, thru educational and recreational activities designed to help them process the trauma of war. Since the beginning of March, the house has been hosting 116 people from southern Lebanon, mostly Shi’a Muslim families. Many of them had already been welcomed during the conflict in the autumn of 2024 and have returned, remembering the positive experience they had.

Zeinab, aged 11, recounts with simplicity and hope: “Altho the war forced us to leave our village, here, in Don Bosco’s house, I feel safe and at ease. I missed this place so much. Who knows, if it were possible, it would be wonderful to have a house like this back home too, close to our land and our people.”

Her words powerfully express just how precious it is to offer not only a refuge, but a place that can restore a sense of family and dignity.

Signs of hope

Amid the violence, solidarity continues to represent a concrete sign of hope. Religious communities, educators and social workers are working to support the most vulnerable, offering material aid and human closeness.

A gesture of concern also came from the apostolic nuncio, Abp. Paolo Borgia, who visited several villages in southern Lebanon to support the affected communities, bringing practical aid and words of encouragement.

For the Salesians and their lay partners in Lebanon, particularly in the community of El-Houssoun, welcoming the displaced is first and foremost a choice of faith, inspired by the Gospel: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” In a context marked by war, the simple gesture of opening a door thus becomes a concrete form of resistance to violence and an act of trust in the possibility of a peaceful future.

On the feast of the Annunciation, a prayer of hope is raised: to ask for Mary’s intercession so that an announcement of peace, reconciliation, and the end of the war may soon come – a desire shared by a people weary, yet still capable of believing in a different tomorrow.

Homily for Thursday, Week 5 of Lent

Homily for Thursday
5th Week of Lent

March 26, 2026
John 8: 51-59
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph Residence, N.R.

Abraham on the move
(Jozsef Molnar)

“Abraham rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad” (John 8: 56).

How is it that Abraham saw Jesus’ day?  Jesus’ opponents focus on Abraham’s physical life:  “our father Abraham died” (8:53).  Jesus maintains that he’s still alive—not bodily but spiritually.  He’s with God, and with God all persons, all things, all events are present.  There’s no past, no future, only now.  In our Eucharist, we stand with Christ at Calvary and meet him risen in the upper room.  We recall Jesus’ rejoinder to the Sadducees who tested him with a question intended to mock belief in the resurrection:  the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob isn’t the God of the dead but of the living (Matt 22:23-32).

“The Lord remembers his covenant forever” (Resp. Psalm).  The Lord’s promise to Abraham lives on, not only in his physical offspring—“I will maintain my covenant with you and your descendants after you thruout the ages” (Gen 17:7)—but especially in his spiritual descendants:  in Jesus risen from the dead and in all who are joined to Jesus in the new covenant of his body and blood, who believe in the power of his resurrection to bring to life and keep alive the children of the covenant.  “When I am lifted up from the earth, I’ll draw everyone to myself” (John 12:32)—everyone who shares Abraham’s faith in God’s promise, everyone living in a forever now in which Abraham sees the day of the Messiah and rejoices.

Interview with Rector Major on First Anniversary

With Joy and Hope

ANS Interviews the Rector Major on His First Anniversary

(ANS – Rome – March 25, 2026) - On the occasion of the first anniversary of his election as rector major, ANS is pleased to present this special interview with Fr. Fabio Attard. Marking this significant milestone in his service to the Congregation, the 11th successor of Don Bosco reflects on the journey of the past year — its challenges, graces, and defining moments. He speaks about the centrality of Christ, the strength of Salesian identity, the missionary dimension of the Congregation, the realities faced by young people today, and the path forward in a rapidly changing world. With gratitude and hope, this conversation offers a glimpse into the heart of his leadership and his vision for the future of the Salesian mission.

1. Fr. Fabio, one year has passed since your election as rector major. How would you describe this first year of your mandate?

I would describe it as a year of discovery — discovering a reality that is diverse and complex at the same time. Yet one thing I constantly confirm within myself, having served on the council before, is the silver thread of the Salesian charism.

I continue to see how Don Bosco is truly alive and present in the diverse contexts of the Congregation. In every context, there is meaning in the way the Salesians are living their charism. For me, this year has been a confirmation, on a much larger scale, of what I had already known before I was elected rector major.

2. There have been many memorable moments and events for you this year. What have been the most memorable moments?

Two memorable moments surface very clearly in my mind and heart.

The 1st is the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first Missionary Expedition. Thru those commemorative celebrations, I had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of what happened at that time, and then to relive those experiences both in Turin and in Genoa. There, I rediscovered the greatness of Don Bosco — a firm believer who dared to look at the globe with a missionary vision.

The 2nd moment was our visit as the general council to Pope Leo XIV. We had the opportunity to meet the Holy Father together. In a way, we imagined ourselves as Don Bosco and his councilors meeting the Pope. It truly felt like a father meeting his sons and blessing us. Those were 2 very powerful and meaningful moments for me.

3. Have you felt that some of your dreams are already beginning to take shape? Are you content?

I would say it does not depend so much on dreams. It depends more on the priorities that the [29th] General Chapter has given us. My dreams are really to realize fully those priorities of the general chapter.

We can express them in 4 main areas:

1st, strengthening the centrality of Christ in our daily life.
2nd, developing an updated pastoral plan carried out with professionalism.
3rd, addressing the pastoral challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
And 4th, strengthening Salesian formation as an opportunity to deepen our charismatic identity.

So my contentment comes from seeing how we are gradually moving forward in these directions.

4. You have met the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, several times this year. What message from him impressed you most?

Two messages from the Holy Father touched me profoundly.

1st, he encouraged us to be prophetic and courageous in announcing the Gospel to the young in a globalized context where vocabulary is changing, images are changing, culture is changing, and social situations are constantly evolving. He exhorted us to live within this context and to allow the Gospel message to be integrated into it.

The 2nd message was his encouragement to continue strengthening our missionary presence in difficult places. He told us: you have the strength, you have the experience, you have the resources to be present in the most dangerous and challenging situations. You are already doing it — continue to do it, and even more. That encouragement was very strong and affirming.

5. You have visited different regions of the Congregation. Can you summarize your impression in 3 words?

This is a difficult question. The 3 words that summarize my impression are: alive, engaged, and proactive.

The Salesian Congregation is very much alive — in different regions and in different ways, because it faces different challenges. 2nd, I see that the Congregation is very much engaged in trying to be as meaningful as possible to young people, especially the poor. 3rd, I see that the Congregation is proactive in responding to new and emerging needs in different parts of the world — in its growing concern for the poor, the most abandoned, refugees, and social animation work.

6. What concerns or challenges do you hear most frequently from the confreres?

The 1st concern is to grow even more in our identity — our identity as believers and as Salesians of Don Bosco. This was already a strong theme during the general chapter, and it continues to emerge clearly in meetings. In this globalized world, we must make sure that our identity is not weakened by our activities. I see this concern as something very positive.

The 2nd concern is resources. The more we are engaged with young people, the more we encounter their needs and challenges. At times, both human and material resources are not sufficient. On one side, this shows the need to grow in identity. On the other, it shows the need to respond creatively to opportunities. Even if we see them as challenges, they indicate a positive attitude toward our mission.

7. You have a special sensitivity toward provinces and confreres living in situations of war and hardships. How do you keep in touch and support them?

On the world level, we are witnessing what political commentators — and even Pope Francis — have described as a fragmented third world war. In many places, our Salesians are working amid conflict, civil wars, guerrilla situations, and serious social problems.

I keep in contact with them thru all available means of communication. I try to speak directly with those on the ground. They greatly appreciate this closeness. I also make sure their situations are made known thruout the Congregation.

For example, during our meetings with Pope Leo, I made it a point to bring their stories directly to him. He showed true interest and encouragement regarding these situations.

What impresses me most is their determination to remain. Despite the difficulties, they do not express a desire to leave. Their testimony and dedication are truly an honor to the people they serve and an encouragement to us all.

8. What realities of young people have struck you most during your visits?

In America, Asia, and Europe, I have encountered a deep thirst for meaning among young people.

When you meet them in moments of real dialog — not only in moments of celebration and singing, which are important — but when you truly listen to them, you discover their desire for spaces of relationship and belonging. They want to feel heard.

The questions that emerge from their hearts reveal a desire for community and for meaning. Yes, there is a thirst for spirituality in the widest sense of the word. When they are offered moments of silence, reflection, and contemplation, they respond positively — especially those who are already part of our houses and experiences.

9. One of your dreams is to help confreres know and love Don Bosco more. What are your plans?

This desire arises directly from the concern for identity expressed in the general chapter.

We already have many valuable formation experiences across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Looking at their fruits, we see they need to be strengthened and reinforced.

Recently, we decided to establish a Center for Advanced Salesian Formation in Colle Don Bosco. This is not about creating something entirely new, but about coordinating existing courses that are already benefiting many — in youth ministry, spiritual direction, and Salesian leadership.

Many lay people today belong to our mission not only functionally but charismatically. Deepening the charism and discovering Don Bosco more profoundly is a real need emerging from their experience. This center aims to respond to that need.

10. You have 16 members in your general council. How do you value their contribution? Do you follow a specific leadership strategy?

We are 16 members from 12 different countries. This reflects the international dimension of the Congregation.

All of them have solid experience in leadership and animation. Our main strategy is discernment. We listen carefully to the challenges in different regions. We interpret them in the light of the general chapter and what God is saying to us today. Then, together, in a synodal way, we make decisions.

We try to allow all voices to be heard. In the symphony of diverse voices, we seek to discern where the Holy Spirit is leading us.

11. You collaborate with the FMA Sisters and the Salesian Family. Do you also partner with other religious congregations and global organizations?

Yes, with the FMA Sisters, collaboration is very strong in many areas. For example, the Salesian Youth Movement is a beautiful space of collaboration. In the area of schools as well, cooperation is very strong. And within the journey of the Salesian Family, there are many areas where we walk together.

Regarding other congregations, we may not always have direct joint projects at the organizational level. However, many congregations contact us to share our experiences. Recently, 2 congregations asked us to offer sessions on leadership and to share our best practices in formation and youth ministry. So even if there are no formal partnerships at the central level, there is a real exchange of experience and learning.

At the same time, we also learn from other congregations. We ask them what they are doing in areas where we are engaged. This flow of sharing happens not only at the central level but also at provincial and national levels.

In terms of global organizations, we have a presence in Brussels thru Don Bosco International (DBI), at the United Nations thru Don Bosco UN, and in Africa thru the African Union. Thru these presences, we connect local realities with international platforms.

In the field of education and vocational training, we collaborate not only with local governments but also with international organizations that run projects in various parts of the world. We partner with them to ensure that these projects truly reach young people and help shape their future.

12. The Salesians are the 2nd-largest religious congregation. Despite the slight decrease in numbers, how do you perceive the growth of vocations for the future? How do you plan to consolidate numbers and presences?

There are 2 aspects here.

1st, regarding vocations, it is clear that demographic changes affect vocational growth. For example, what we call the vocational crisis in Europe is closely linked to changes in family structure and lifestyle. We no longer have large families as before; we have nuclear families. Now we are seeing similar shifts in parts of Asia — from patriarchal family systems to nuclear families, from rural life to urban life.

This change should not be interpreted as someone doing something wrong. Rather, it invites us to revisit our pastoral model. How do we engage in education and evangelization in a postmodern society? What language do we need to use?

At the same time, altho vocations to consecrated life may be fewer in some areas, we are witnessing a significant rise in lay mission partners who belong deeply to our mission. Today, when we speak about a Salesian presence, we are not referring only to consecrated Salesians, but to the educational-pastoral community — laypeople and Salesians sharing the same mission.

Now, regarding consolidation: one of the priorities of the Congregation over the last 20 years has been the consistency of community life. Salesians are not present merely to ensure smooth functioning. They are present to witness thru their consecration.

It is not about having one or two Salesians scattered in many places. It is about having communities whose very life is a message. If numbers decrease, we may need to merge presences, strengthen communities that accompany multiple works, or even close some presences after serious discernment. The vocational challenge may reduce numbers, but it must not weaken our identity.

13. You have 93 provinces working in 137 countries. How do you foster unity and a shared vision in such a culturally diverse Congregation?

This question touches the strength of the charism.

When we gather for a general chapter, we have more than 200 Salesians from around 137 countries. Yet, somehow, the language of the charism is the same. The images, the references, the inspiration — they are shared.

The Congregation is mature enough to allow the strength of the charism within each Salesian heart to dialog with local realities. The expression of our proposal may differ in a Christian context compared to a non-Christian one. The vocabulary may change. But when we reach the heart of young people — their desire for meaning, for love, for accompaniment — the Preventive System speaks universally.

The strength of the Congregation lies in being deeply rooted in our consecrated identity and deeply engaged in the context where we serve. When we meet young people on a human level, with empathy and respect, the charism finds its way.

14. What do you consider the most urgent priority for the Salesian mission today?

The most urgent priority is our identity.

If we lose our identity as believers in the footsteps of Don Bosco, we risk being shaped entirely by the culture around us. We would present a product instead of an experience.

Our identity — rooted in Gospel values and enriched by the Preventive System — enables us to offer a humanity inspired by Christ. The more we move forward, the clearer our identity must become.

15. How is the Congregation responding to rapid cultural and digital changes affecting young people?

The digital challenge is being addressed at various levels in different provinces. It is part of our reality, and we cannot ignore it.

In many universities and centers, this topic is already being studied seriously. What concerns us is: what is the digital world saying to us as educators in the light of the Gospel?

I have proposed the idea of an international think tank — not to produce documents, but to allow serious reflection on artificial intelligence and digital culture at the leadership level, with the help of experts from around the world. This reflection can then filter down to the provinces.

We must ask 2 questions: how are we incorporating the digital into our mission, and how is the digital shaping our thinking? Both must go together.

Interestingly, our insistence on this challenge preceded the election of Pope Leo. When he also emphasized it strongly, it confirmed that we are moving in the right direction.

16. What is the special contribution that the Salesians give to the world today?

I believe it is the experience of family spirit.

Often, when people enter a Salesian house, they say, “It feels as if I have been here before.” That is the atmosphere of family.

Being friends with young people is not merely an action; it is an attitude. It does not mean they already know us. It means we have decided to be with them and for them.

In places of conflict, people flock to religious houses, like our Salesian houses because they know that these places are spaces of welcome and protection. What Don Bosco offers is a sense of home — a place of joy, welcome, and belonging.

17. Are Salesians continuing to champion ecology and peace education? How is this seen today?

Yes. In recent general chapters, we have given special attention to ecology.

When I visit our schools, I am always struck by how clean, organized, and respectful the environments are. It is not about being the best in class; it is about creating awareness for ecologically sound and sustainable environments. And when you respect the person, you naturally respect creation.

Regarding peace education, in many of our presences there are young people from different religions and ethnic groups, and yet there is harmony. Why? Because within our houses there is familiarity, respect, and communion.

We do not ask for a certificate of religion or ethnicity. There is fraternity and solidarity. Perhaps we need to make this witness more explicit, but it is already deeply lived.

18. What sustains you personally every day in this demanding mission?

What sustains me every day is prayer life.

This mission is rooted in our consecration. That is where we find nourishment, light for decisions, and encouragement to continue serving the young. Being consecrated is not a detail — it is who we are. From that conviction, we move forward together as a community, seeking to be Don Bosco today.

19. Is there a Scripture passage or Salesian expression that has guided you this year?

Yes — the passage I chose for the strenna: “Do whatever He tells you.”

During the chapter, I felt we were very open to what the Spirit was saying to us. In the Gospel scene at Cana, Mary did not offer a solution; she offered an attitude. She invited trust and attentive listening.

Today, rather than rushing to solutions, we are called to ask: who do we need to be? We must be attentive listeners to what the Spirit is saying and have the courage to move forward accordingly.

20. What has been the happiest moment for you in this first year?

The meeting of Pope Leo with the general council.

We did not have the opportunity to meet Pope Francis during the general chapter due to his health, and Pope Leo was elected after the chapter had ended. So when we were given an appointment with him, I was very much looking forward to it.

He welcomed us like a father, treated us like his sons, and encouraged us deeply. That was truly a defining moment for me.

21. What has been the most challenging moment in your first year?

My ongoing concern for confreres in war and conflict situations.

Every week I am in contact with them, accompanying them on a human and spiritual level. I also invite others to accompany them in prayer.

Their feedback is deeply moving. They feel part of the Congregation. They feel accompanied. And knowing that the Congregation stands with them helps them face external challenges with courage.

22. As you begin your second year as rector major, what word would you like to entrust to every Salesian around the world?

Two words: Joy and Hope.

Joy, because what we are doing is not ours — we are responding to God’s call. And hope, because that conviction fills us with confidence for the future.

It is a joy that becomes contagious. By living it, we witness it. And by witnessing it, we offer meaning and hope to young people. In that way, tomorrow is already being shaped today.