As a Salesian, one cannot help but be moved by the deeply personal and foundational connection that Pope Francis shares with the Salesian Family — a bond rooted in the earliest moments of his life and nurtured by a figure who would become spiritually pivotal to him and his family: Father Enrique Pozzoli, SDB.

In the bustling world of media and communication within the Salesian family, Fr Harris Pakkam stands out as a dynamic force, orchestrating the smooth and effective flow of information like a well-oiled engine. Currently, the Director of AGENZIA INFO SALESIANA (ANS) in Rome, Fr Harris, played a pivotal role in the dissemination of news and video content during the Salesian General Chapter (GC29), a task he undertook with precision for two months. Armed with a degree in Social Communication from the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS), Rome, his journey includes key roles such as Director of DBICA, Chennai, and a tenure at the Dicastery for Communication in the Vatican. Known for his visionary leadership and creative drive, he has also been an efficient organizer of the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF), fostering global youth engagement through the lens of cinema.

Joining him in this engaging tête-à-tête is Dr Bastin Nellissery SDB, the Chief Editor of Don Bosco South Asia. A sharp and insightful communicator, Dr Bastin brings his wealth of experience and editorial acumen to the conversation, ensuring that Don Bosco's voice continues to resonate across the South Asian region.

The 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation concluded with the Eucharistic celebration on April 12 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Rome. The Rector Major Fr. Fabio expressed profound gratitude for the experience lived during the General Chapter, describing it as a moment of Salesian Pentecost. He highlighted how the Holy Spirit guided every phase of the Chapter through the method of conversation in the Spirit, and he invited the entire Congregation to continue on this path of listening and discernment.

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With recollected minds and hearts, the members of the General Chapter (GC 29) entered through the Holy Door and, reverentially bowing towards the Altar of the Chair at St. Peter's Basilica, settled among the pews to take part in the concelebrated Eucharist presided over by Fr. Fabio Attard, the Rector Major on Friday, April 11.

Presiding over the closing celebration of the General Chapter in Turin, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, the former Rector Major, along with his predecessor, Fr. Pascual Chávez Villanueva, and successor, Fr. Fabio Attard, invited his fellow Salesians during the Eucharist, to be new Don Boscos for today's world: "missionaries in love, captivated by Christ, and compelled to share the love that transformed their lives."

The Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard presented a special gift, the Medal of Mary, to the participants of the General Chapter 29. The medals were kept overnight at Colle Don Bosco, the birthplace of St. John Bosco. “This is not a pious gesture,” said the Rector Major Fr. Attard, “but a real act of entrustment to our Mother.”

On the morning of April 8, the assembly unanimously approved the final document—a challenging task, given the need to find a common language among delegates from 136 countries. Yet, this intercultural effort has borne fruit. The Chapter members now take home not just a document but a shared desire to draw closer to the Lord and to “do whatever He tells you,” echoing Mary’s words at Cana, which had been a focus of prayer and reflection throughout the assembly.

Fr. Patrick Alexander, the general coordinator of the General Chapter of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has earned a reputation for his organizational skills, attention to detail, and concern for the confreres. His work during GC 29, held at Valdocco, Turin, is a testament to his professionalism, efficiency, and dedication. Fr. Patrick Alexander hails from the Salesian Province of Tiruchy, India, and presently belongs to Salesian Headquarters in Rome.

After almost 50 days of intense work, the 29th General Chapter has entered its final week. The second half of the week will take place in Rome, where the chapter members will pilgrimage to the Vatican and conclude the GC29.

His Holiness Pope Francis sent a message to the participants of the 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation held in Valdocco, Turin, from February 16 to April 12, 2025.

The newly elected Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard, has appointed Fr Thathireddy Vijayabhaskar as his Personal Secretary at the Generalate in Rome. The appointment comes while Fr Thathireddy serves as the Salesian community's Rector at Colle Don Bosco, Italy.

With the election of the new General Council members concluded, the focus now shifts to approving the documents summarizing the Congregation's high-level reflections. These documents will serve as guiding principles for every community, ensuring that the figure of Don Bosco remains relevant, especially for vulnerable and marginalized young people.

The seventh week of the General Chapter begins in a spirit of discernment and intensity, marked by several key events. The work focuses on the presentation and voting of deliberations 18-27, the development of Core 1 and 2, and an important emphasis on some current issues. The week also includes moments of spirituality, cultural activities, and fraternal sharing.

Speaking on behalf of all Chapter members, the Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard, acknowledged the service rendered by the outgoing councillors. A long, heartfelt round of applause confirmed their appreciation and affection for their contributions.

The 29th General Chapter elected the following Salesians as Regional Councillors:

East & South Africa - Fr Bizimana Innocent

Central & Western Africa - Fr Alphonse Owoudou

America South Cone - Fr Romero Hector Gabriel

East Asia & Oceania - Fr Matthew Williams

South Asia - Fr Biju Michael

Central & Northern Europe - Fr Roman Jachimowicz

Interamerica - Fr Hugo Orozco Sanchez 

Mediterranean - Fr Juan Carlos Godoy