In a heartfelt message to participants of the 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation, Pope Francis called on the Salesians to rekindle their passion for Jesus Christ and renew their commitment to serving the youth.
The General Chapter, taking place from February 16 to April 12, 2025, in Valdocco, Turin, also marks the 150th anniversary of Don Bosco’s first missionary expedition to Argentina.
While expressing regret for not being able to meet the Salesians in person, the Holy Father conveyed his spiritual closeness and support.
“I encourage you to live this time of listening to the Spirit and synodal discernment with confidence and commitment,” he wrote.
Pope Francis also extended his congratulations to the newly elected Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, and expressed gratitude to Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime for his years of service to the Institute and now to the universal Church.
Reflecting on the chapter's theme, “Salesians, passionate about Jesus Christ, dedicated to the young,” the Pope emphasized the importance of being fully embraced by the love of the Lord and serving others selflessly, as Don Bosco once did.
He acknowledged the evolving challenges of today’s world but noted that the Salesian mission continues to thrive, enriched by new gifts such as interculturality.
“I thank you for the good you do all over the world, and I encourage you to continue with perseverance,” Pope Francis said.
He concluded his message with a blessing for the congregation’s global mission and asked for their prayers, invoking the guidance of the Mary Help of Christians.
The Salesian Congregation, officially known as the Society of St. Francis de Sales, was founded in 1859 by Saint John Bosco, an Italian priest and educator deeply committed to the spiritual and social welfare of young people, especially the poor and marginalized.
Today, the Salesians are among the largest Catholic religious congregations in the world. According to recent statistics, the congregation consists of over 14,000 members, including priests, brothers, and novices.
Their network spans over 130 countries, with a strong presence in education, youth ministry, technical training, and missionary work.
The Salesians run more than 3,000 educational and social institutions, including schools, technical centers, youth clubs, and shelters for street children. Their mission focuses on holistic formation, combining spiritual guidance with education and vocational training, particularly in underprivileged communities.
With their motto “Da mihi animas, cetera tolle” (Give me souls, take away the rest), the Salesians continue to embody Don Bosco’s vision of forming “good Christians and upright citizens” through the preventive system of education, based on reason, religion, and loving-kindness.
As the 29th General Chapter unfolds in Turin—where the Congregation was born—Salesians from around the globe gather to discern their path forward, responding to the pope’s call to remain passionate disciples and dedicated servants of the youth.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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