The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, together with the members of the General Chapter and more than 300 Salesians concelebrating the Mass. Many Salesians from various communities in Rome, members of the FMA General Council, led by the Mother General, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, numerous Salesian Sisters from FMA communities, and several civil authorities gathered to celebrate the culmination of this pivotal moment in the life of the Salesian Congregation.

Key Points from Fr. Fabio's Address

The Presence of the Holy Spirit:
The Chapter experienced a moment of Pentecost, in which the Holy Spirit was constantly invoked and perceived, guiding the Salesians in their discernment.

The Chapter as a Milestone:
Fr. Fabio described the Chapter as a milestone that ensures continuity with the journey begun in Valdocco, which is now renewed with the same spirit of commitment and dedication.

The Final Document:
The Chapter concluded with the approval of a Final Document, which will guide the Congregation from 2025 to 2031. However, Fr. Fabio emphasized that the value of this document will depend on the Salesians' ability to maintain the spirit of listening, openness, and accompaniment by the Holy Spirit.

Personal Conversion:
Fr. Fabio stressed the importance of personal conversion, emphasizing that every pastoral renewal must start with a profound and authentic change in each Salesian's heart. Personal conversion, he said, is not an intimate experience but the foundation for renewed pastoral and spiritual care.

Knowing Don Bosco:
It is not enough to love Don Bosco; it is necessary to know him deeply. Fr. Fabio warned against a superficial knowledge of the Salesian charism, which risks reducing the mission to mere superficial activities. He urged Salesians to study Don Bosco seriously to embody his spirit in today's contexts.

A Sign of Hope in a Fragmented World:
In a world marked by conflicts, wars, and ideologies that strip young people of dignity, Fr. Fabio reminded the Salesians that they must be a sacrament of hope, offering young people spaces for growth, welcome, and a future.

Courage and Authenticity:
He called on the Salesians to grow in fidelity and prophecy, emphasizing that these virtues form the foundation of the Salesian mission. The courage shown during the Chapter must serve as the basis for tackling future challenges without being paralyzed by fear.

New Challenges:
He identified two areas of focus for the future:
. Artificial intelligence (AI) is seen as a new frontier for the Salesian mission. Fr. Fabio reminded us that while AI can be a helpful tool, it can never replace the human and pastoral touch that defines the Salesian charism.
. Integral ecology requires a change in mindset and an educational commitment to fostering a healthy relationship with creation.

The Vision of the Valdocco Oratory:
Fr. Fabio reiterated that the model of the Valdocco Oratory—a home, a parish, a school, and a playground—must remain the permanent criterion for discerning and renewing every Salesian activity.

Words of Gratitude
At the end of his speech, Fr. Fabio expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Stefano Martoglio, Vicar of the Rector Major, for his contribution in guiding the Congregation during the Chapter preparation. He also expressed his appreciation to Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, moderator of the Chapter, for his dedication in coordinating the work. He thanked Fr. Pascual Chávez for his valuable contribution during the Chapter and for agreeing to prepare reflections that would be useful for implementing the directives of the Chapter. Then, the moderator, Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, officially declared the 29th General Chapter closed.

At the conclusion, the Chapter members, turning to the famous painting of Mary Help of Christians, entrusted the fruits of the General Chapter to the Blessed Mother and renewed their commitment to live Don Bosco's charism with authenticity, singing and praying the Marian hymn.

The full text of the Concluding Message of the 29th General Chapter is available here: Link