Fr. Fabio Attard sdb – The New rector Major

Fr. Fabio Attard has been elected the 11th Rector Major of the Salesian Order, a milestone hailed as “historic” by the global Salesian Family. This election, made during the 29th General Chapter of the Salesians of St. Francis de Sales, places Fr. Attard at the helm of the Congregation in 136 countries, guiding the Salesian mission focused on young people, particularly the poor and vulnerable.

Born on March 23, 1959, in Gozo, Malta, Fr. Attard’s journey began in the Major Seminary of Gozo, and later, he joined the Salesian aspirantate in Malta. After making his religious profession in 1980, he dedicated himself to theological and pastoral studies, earning degrees from the Pontifical Salesian University and the Accademia Alfonsiana in Rome. Ordained a priest in 1987, Fr. Attard’s early ministry focused on pastoral care and education.

A missionary at heart, he helped establish the Salesians in Tunisia (1988-1991), and later served as Rector at St. Patrick’s Salesian School in Malta. His academic expertise led him to teach at the Pontifical Salesian University, while also contributing to global youth ministry initiatives. As General Councillor for Youth Ministry (2008-2020), Fr. Attard published the Salesian Youth Ministry Framework and advocated for marginalized youth, focusing on migration, poverty, and education.

Fr. Attard’s leadership is characterized by his ability to bridge theology and pastoral care. His influence extended to the universal Church, where he was appointed Consultant to the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life by Pope Francis in 2018. Now, as Rector Major, Fr. Attard is poised to carry Don Bosco’s vision forward, leading a congregation of 13,750 Salesians across the world in their mission to uplift youth, ensuring the ongoing transformation of lives globally.