Don Fabio Attard is the new Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation. He succeeds Don Ángel Fernández Artime, who led the Congregation from 2014 to 2024.
As the 11th successor of Saint John Bosco, the founder of the Salesians, the Rector Major assumes the role of spiritual and administrative leader of the Congregation worldwide. In addition to these responsibilities, the Rector Major also holds the position of Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS).
As Grand Chancellor, the Rector Major plays a crucial role in ensuring that UPS operates in alignment with the Salesian educational mission, promoting comprehensive training that unites academic competence and Christian values. His presence guarantees that the university remains faithful to the ideals of its founder, providing quality education that prepares students to become competent professionals and engaged citizens committed to the common good.
Born on March 23, 1959, in Gozo, Malta, Don Fabio Attard grew up in Victoria, where he attended public primary and secondary schools. His vocation began to take shape during the years spent at the Major Seminary of Gozo (1975–1978). He later entered the Salesian aspirantate at Savio College in Dingli, Malta, before preparing for the novitiate in Dublin. On September 8, 1980, he made his religious profession as a Salesian of Don Bosco in Maynooth, Ireland.
Don Attard pursued his studies with great dedication, first at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) and later at the Alfonsian Academy in Rome. Ordained a priest on July 4, 1987, he embarked on a ministry deeply rooted in pastoral care and academic research.
Don Attard's missionary spirit became evident from the early years of his Salesian life. From 1988 to 1991, he was part of the Salesian group that initiated the Congregation's presence in Tunisia, a predominantly non-Christian context, where he laid the foundations of evangelical and educational service. Returning to Malta, he assumed leadership roles as Rector of St. Patrick's Salesian School and the Salesian Oratory, where he served from 1993 to 1996.
In 1999, Don Attard completed his doctorate on the theme of conscience in the Anglican sermons of John Henry Newman at the Milltown Institute for Philosophy and Theology. Thanks to his expertise, he joined the faculty of the Pontifical Salesian University, where he co-supervised doctoral theses at the Alfonsian Academy and contributed to the academic formation of future theologians.
The Salesian community and the entire UPS family express profound gratitude to Don Ángel Fernández Artime for his service, to his Vicar, Don Stefano Martoglio, for the work carried out in the past year, and warmly welcome the new Rector Major. They trust that his leadership will continue to strengthen the educational and pastoral mission worldwide.