MESSAGE FROM THE HOLY FATHER

to those taking part in the 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation

16 February – 12 April 2025

Dear brothers,

Unfortunately, since I am not able to meet you, I am sending you this message on the occasion of the 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation, as well as for the 150th anniversary of Don Bosco’s first missionary expedition to Argentina. I greet the new Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard, wishing him every success in his work, and I thank Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime for the service he has rendered in recent years to the Institute and which he now offers to the universal Church.

Although from a distance, I would like to encourage you experience this time of listening to the Spirit and synodal discernment with confidence and commitment.

As the theme for your work you chose the motto, “Salesians, passionate about Jesus Christ and dedicated to young people”. This is a beautiful programme: being “passionate” and “dedicated”, allowing yourself to be fully involved in love for the Lord and serving others without keeping anything for yourself, just as your Founder did in his time. Even if today, compared to then, the challenges you have to face have altered somewhat, faith and enthusiasm remain the same, enriched with new gifts such as the gift of interculturalism.

Dear brothers, I thank you for the good you do all around the world and I encourage you to continue with perseverance. I wholeheartedly bless you and your Chapter work, as well as the confreres scattered across the five continents, and I kindly ask you to pray for me. May Mary Help of Christians always accompany you.

Francis

From the Vatican, 2 April 2025