Farewell to the Rector Major

Farewell to the Rector Major

Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime steps down

(ANS – Colle Don Bosco, Italy – August 17, 2024) – On August 16, 2024, the Salesian Family witnessed a momentous event as Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime, the 10th successor of Don Bosco, resigned as Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Card. Angel was keeping in mind the decree of the Holy See, which had allowed a brief extension of his term following his episcopal ordination.

The vicar of the rector major, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, took charge ad interim of the governance of the Salesian Congregation.

August 16 was marked by the concluding Mass of the weeklong Salesian Youth Synod. It also held significance as the birthday of St. John Bosco. The Mass, featuring thanksgiving to Card. Angel, was celebrated with profound solemnity and joy in Colle Don Bosco, the birthplace of the beloved saint. It was a vivid and colorful celebration, with hundreds of Piedmontese young people, civil authorities, and numerous faithful joining the Synod participants. Flags of 94 countries, represented by delegates, filled the basilica of Don Bosco with a vibrant array of colors during the opening hymn, symbolizing the global reach of the Salesian mission. Abp. Giordano Piccinotti, SDB, newly ordained alongside Card. Angel, and several members of the general council and hundreds of Salesians concelebrated the Mass.

In his homily, Card. Angel addressed the young people present, reflecting on the profound significance of celebrating in the birthplace of Don Bosco. He reminded them of the saint’s dream of serving youth all over the world, a dream that was realized through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He drew parallels between Don Bosco’s humble beginnings and the great mission he would eventually undertake, likening it to God’s calling of the Virgin Mary from the small village of Nazareth. The cardinal expressed deep gratitude for the first Salesians who remained faithful to the charism of Don Bosco, ensuring its transmission through the years. He also highlighted the pivotal role of Mama Margaret, Don Bosco’s mother, in the spiritual formation of her sons, mentioning that he remembered her every time he celebrates Mass at Colle Don Bosco.

Card. Angel exhorted the Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians to remain faithful to their vocation by living authentic Christian lives. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating fraternity, giving their lives out of love for the young, and staying true to Jesus. He assured them that by doing so, the Salesian Congregation would continue to flourish. He concluded his homily by acknowledging the role of Mary in his work, quoting St. John Bosco: “She did it all.”

The offertory procession was a poignant moment, where symbols representing the dreams of young people from around the world were brought to the altar. Two delegates from Africa led the procession with joyful singing and dancing, showcasing the cultural diversity and global impact of Don Bosco’s dream.

As the liturgy came to an end, two young delegates expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Card. Angel on behalf of the young worldwide, thanking him for his loving service over the past decade. They presented him and Fr. Miguel Angel with certificates of appreciation for organizing the historic Salesian Youth Synod. The assembly filled the basilica with resounding applause as a final tribute to the cardinal’s leadership.

In his farewell speech, Card. Angel thanked the Salesian Family for their love and acceptance over the past 10 years. He reflected on his visits to 120 countries, where he witnessed the transformative power of the Salesian educational system. He expressed deep gratitude to his biological family for their unwavering support and offered special thanks to the two general councils that had supported him thruout his tenure. Tho he stepped down as rector major, Card. Angel reassured the congregation that he would always remain a devoted Salesian at heart.

Fr. Stefano Martoglio, the vicar general of the Salesian Congregation, right after the Mass took charge of the governance of the Salesian Congregation ad interim until the election of a new Rector Major during the 29th General Chapter in Turin, scheduled for Feb. 16 to April 12, 2025. Card. Angel expressed full confidence in Fr. Martoglio’s leadership, praising his dedication and qualities as a leader.

In his final remarks, Card. Angel entrusted the future of the Salesian Congregation to Don Bosco and the Help of Christians, reaffirming his enduring commitment to the Salesian mission. With a heart full of gratitude, he bid farewell, leaving a legacy of love, dedication, and deep faith. 

As the Salesian Family moves forward, guided by the legacy of Don Bosco and remembering the inspiring leadership of Card. Angel, they carry with them the dreams of the young and the unwavering commitment to the mission of serving youth around the world.