“Although at a distance, I wish to encourage you to live with confidence and commitment this time of listening to the Spirit and synodal discernment.” Thus begins Pope Francis’ message to the Salesian Congregation, which is celebrating its 29th General Chapter from February 16 to April 12, also marking the 150th anniversary of Don Bosco’s first missionary expedition to Argentina.

Greetings to the new Rector Major

The Pontiff, who is convalescing at Casa Santa Marta, regrets not being able to meet with the Chapter participants and, in the letter, greets the new Rector Major, Father Fabio Attard, elected on March 25, wishing him good work. On the occasion, the Pope also thanked Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Congregation for ten years (2014-2024), “for the service he has provided to the Institute over the years and which he now offers to the universal Church.”

Passionate and Dedicated

Francis then dwells on the motto chosen for the work: “Salesians passionate about Jesus Christ and dedicated to young people.” “It is a beautiful program,” he notes, “to be ‘passionate’ and ‘dedicated,’ to allow oneself to be fully involved in the love of the Lord and to serve others without holding anything back, as their founder did in his time.” Today, compared to the past, “the challenges we must face have changed somewhat,” but, the Pope emphasized, “faith and enthusiasm remain the same, enriched by new gifts, such as interculturally.”

Gratitude for the Good Accomplished in the World

At the end of the message, Pope Francis thanks the Salesians “for the good” accomplished in the world, encouraging them “to continue with perseverance.” He “please” asks for prayers for him and entrusts all the capitulars, as well as the brothers spread across the five continents, to Mary Help of Christians, so that she “may always accompany them.”