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A Pilgrimage of Hope: Fr. Fabio Attard Visits centres of social welfare and youth at risk

13 February 2026

Animation, Rector Major, Salesian Family, Young at Risk,

News reported by: Fr. Britto Savarinathan and Fr. Anto John

On the evening of 13 February, the Rector Major visited Don Bosco Beatitudes, a Social Welfare Centre, as it marked the Diamond Jubilee of its establishment. For the past sixty years, the centre has been lovingly catering to the needs of people from the womb to the tomb. While addressing the gathering, the Rector Major exhorted those present: “Never stop believing in the future of our young people. They deserve it, and it is our duty to accompany and help them, even when it is difficult. This will ensure a good future for them. We need to be like Don Bosco — believing in them, educating them, and preparing them for their future.” His message resonated deeply with the founding vision of the devoted Salesian missionaries who built up the centre, Fr. Montovani and Fr. Schlooz, who firmly believed that “No one has the right to be happy alone.”

From there, the Rector Major proceeded to Don Bosco Anbu Illam, a Salesian presence that has been tirelessly serving street children. Recalling his own experiences on a similar mission years earlier, he shared that children would often tell him they wanted a good future, to which he would respond: “If you want it, you will have a good future.” In a touching tribute to the 'Don Bosco of today,' a young boy donned the robes of our saintly founder to express his joy and gratitude, honouring the fatherly care and predilection that Fr. Fabio continues to show for marginalized youth.

Founded in Tamil Nadu, India, the Sisters of Maria Auxiliatrix (SMA), who are part of the Salesian Family, are celebrating their Golden Jubilee this year. On this occasion, the Rector Major visited their Generalate and unveiled the statue of Fr. M. C. Antony, SDB, the founder of their congregation, in commemoration of the jubilee celebrations.

Fr. Fabio Attard then visited Pope John’s Garden, a Salesian presence dedicated to the welfare of the Youth at Risk (YAR), especially those living with HIV. Addressing the young people, the Rector Major assured them: “You have a future, and the Salesians are here to ensure that you have a good future. Be happy and appreciate your life. What you are doing now and what you are going through will help you in the future.” As a pleasant surprise, the children sang in Maltese to felicitate the Rector Major, and Fr. Fabio joyfully joined them in song. The programme and the day's visits concluded with Fr. Fabio imparting his blessings upon all present.