The Church in Malta said that it is pleased to welcome Fr Fabio Attard SDB of Gozo, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, on his first official visit to Malta, taking place between 2nd and 5th of October. This visit will continue to enkindle in the Church, especially in young people, a spirit of faith, celebration and renewal.

Fr Fabio Attard was elected Rector Major last March as the 11th successor of Don Bosco and the worldwide leader of the Salesians who are present in 136 countries today. The Church in Malta said that “his visit to Malta is both a homecoming and a powerful sign of unity between the Salesian mission in our country and in the rest of the world.”

Among his many theological, pastoral and academic experiences, Fr Fabio was also the first director of the Institute of Pastoral Formation which was established in response to the call issued by the 2003 Diocesan Synod to promote and coordinate the formation of Christians in the Archdiocese of Malta.

Fr Fabio Attard was born in March 1959, and grew up in Victoria, Gozo. where he attended public primary and secondary schools.

His vocation began during his years at the Major Seminary of Gozo (1975-1978). Later, he entered the Salesian aspirantate at Savio College in Dingli, Malta, before preparing for the novitiate in Dublin.

On the 8th of September 1980, he made his religious profession as a Salesian of Don Bosco in Maynooth, Republic of Ireland.

During his four-day visit to the Maltese Islands Fr Attard will celebrate the Eucharist in the local Church, meet with ecclesiastical and civil authorities, visit Salesian communities in Malta and Gozo, spend time with young people engaged in Salesian pastoral and educational projects, and inaugurate the new academic year at MCAST.

Regarding this occasion, the Provincial of the Salesians in Malta, Fr Eric Cachia, said, “with great joy, we welcome Fr Fabio back among us. His presence is a moment of celebration for the Salesian family and an act of thanksgiving to the Lord as it reminds us of the deep roots of Don Bosco’s charism in our country. At the same time, it invites us to look ahead with renewed energy in our service to young people and families.”

The Salesians have been present in Malta for over 120 years. Throughout this time, they have worked in the fields of education, pastoral care and the formation of young people, inspired by Don Bosco’s vision of faith, reason and loving-kindness.

Photos: Archdiocese of Malta

Permalink: Fr Fabio Attard SDB to pay official visit to Malta and Gozo