【慈幼通訊社 ─ 2025 年03月25 日意大利都靈訊】 ─ 歐達德神父當選為鮑思高神父的第十一任繼承人，這標誌著全球慈幼會及慈幼家庭的一個歷史性時刻。在慈幼會第29屆全代會期間選出歐達德神父，他充分體現了聖鮑思高的神恩，並準備帶領慈幼使命，致力於服務青少年，特別是最貧窮和最脆弱的群體，他們遍及136個國家。憑藉廣泛的神學、牧民及學術經驗，歐達德神父被召喚帶領慈幼會走向一個重新開始的未來，將聖鮑思高的夢想帶入當代世界中。
信仰與培育之旅
歐達德神父於1959年3月23日出生於馬爾他戈佐島，在維多利亞長大，就讀於當地的公立小學和中學。他的聖召在戈佐島大修院期間（1975-1978）開始成形。隨後，他進入馬爾他丁利薩沙維豪學院的慈幼會備修院，並在都柏林準備入初學院。1980年9月8日，他在愛爾蘭梅努斯宣發聖願，成為鮑思高慈幼會會士。
歐達德神父努力求學，在宗座慈幼大學（UPS）獲得神學學位，並在羅馬著名的亞豐索學院獲得倫理神學碩士學位。1987年7月4日，他被祝聖為神父，開始了植根於注重牧民和學術研究的牧職生涯。
服務世界的傳教士與教育者
歐達德神父的傳教精神在他慈幼會生活的早期就已顯露出來。1988至1991年間，他參與了在突尼斯建立的慈幼會先鋒小組，在一個以非基督徒為主的環境中，為福傳和教育服務奠定了基礎。回到馬爾他後，他擔任聖帕特里克慈幼學校及慈幼慶禮院的院長，於1993至1996年間履行領導職務。
1999年，歐達德神父在米爾敦哲學與神學研究所完成關於亨利．紐曼在聖公會內的講道中有關良知主題的博士研究。憑藉其專業知識，他成為宗座慈幼大學神哲學系的一分子，並在亞豐索學院協助指導博士論文，為未來神學家的學術培育作出貢獻。
青年牧靈的遠見者
歐達德神父的全球領導角色在2008年實現，當時他在第26屆全代會中當選為總部的青年牧民議員。2014年他再次當選，連任至2020年，帶領慈幼會履行其對青年及與青年同行的使命。
在他的協調下，慈幼會於2013年出版了《慈幼青年牧民參照指引》，這是一份基礎性文件，為全球慈幼會牧民工作提供了更新的指引。歐達德神父推動了諸如國際青年牧民與家庭大會（馬德里，2017年）等全球性活動，並協調解決邊緣化、貧窮和移民等問題的活動。
他還加強了傳教志願者計劃，並通過諸如非洲鮑思高技術和東盟鮑思高技術等項目，鞏固了技術與職業教育培訓（TVET）；他代表慈幼會參加在布魯塞爾和紐約舉辦的關於青年政策、移民和青年就業的重要國際論壇。
神學與牧民之間的橋樑
除了行政職務外，歐達德德神父一直是神學與牧民之間的橋樑建設者。2005年，他在馬爾他創辦並領導了牧民培育學院，致力於培訓參與牧民工作的平信徒。他繼續在宗座慈幼大學擔任客座教授，為慈幼會教育工作者及其合作者的智識與靈性發展作出貢獻。
他在普世教會中的貢獻於2018年獲得認可，當時教宗方濟各任命他為「平信徒、家庭與生命部」的顧問。他在2018年以青年為主題的主教會議中的參與，凸顯了他致力於讓青年發聲並促進他們更深入融入教會生活的承諾。
慈幼會未來的領袖
在總部議員任期結束後，歐達德神父於2020至2023年間負責協調歐洲的慈幼會士與平信徒的培育工作。這一項目促成了為慈幼會會士與平信徒合作者設立的碩士課程，如今由宗座慈幼大學與總部青年牧民部門合作管理。
延續鮑思高的夢想
作為新任總會長，歐達德神父將領導由13,750名獻身慈幼會會士組成的修會，分佈在92個會省，遍及136個國家。憑藉他深厚的靈性、具魅力的遠見、卓越的學術生涯和數十年的經驗，他完全準備好激勵並治理21世紀的慈幼會及慈幼家庭。
他的當選代表了慈幼會的新曙光，在他的領導下，慈幼會將繼續成長為教育、福傳和社會轉變的一股全球力量。歐達德神父將激勵並推動全球慈幼會會士、平信徒合作者及青年，延續聖鮑思高的使命：成為天主對青年，尤其是最需要幫助者的愛的見證人和傳遞者。
在他的領導下，慈幼會將繼續蓬勃發展，實現鮑思高神父的夢想，改變全球千萬青年的生活。他被召喚領導全球第二大修會，為新世代帶來希望與光明。
Fr. Fabio Attard: 11th Successor of Don Bosco at the Head of the Salesian Congregation
(ANS – Italy–Turin, 25 March 2025) – The election of Fr. Fabio Attard as the 11th successor of Don Bosco marks a historic moment for the Salesian Congregation and the Salesian Family worldwide. Elected during the 29th General Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Fabio Attard fully embodies Don Bosco’s charism and is preparing to lead the Salesian mission dedicated to young people, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, in 136 nations. With extensive theological, pastoral, and academic experience, Fr. Attard is called to guide the Salesian Congregation toward a renewed future, bringing Don Bosco’s dream to the heart of the contemporary world.
A Journey of Faith and Formation
Born on March 23, 1959, in Gozo, Malta, Fr. Fabio Attard grew up in Victoria, where he attended public primary and secondary schools. His vocation began to take shape during his years at the Major Seminary of Gozo (1975-1978). Later, he 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.
Fr. Attard pursued his studies with great dedication, earning a degree in Theology from the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) and a Licentiate in Moral Theology from the prestigious Accademia Alfonsiana in Rome. Ordained a priest on July 4, 1987, he embarked on a ministry deeply rooted in pastoral care and academic research.
A Missionary and Educator in the Service of the World
Fr. Attard’s missionary spirit manifested itself from the early years of his Salesian life. From 1988 to 1991, he was part of the group of Salesians who initiated the Congregation’s presence in Tunisia, in a predominantly non-Christian context, where he laid the foundations for 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, Fr. Attard completed his doctoral research on the theme of conscience within the Anglican sermons of John Henry Newman at the Milltown Institute for Philosophy and Theology. Thanks to his expertise, he became part of the faculty of the Pontifical Salesian University, during which he also co-directed doctoral theses at the Alphonsian Academy and contributed to the academic formation of future theologians.
A Visionary for Youth Ministry
Fr. Attard’s role as a global leader materialized in 2008, when he was elected the General Councillor for Youth Ministry during the 26th General Chapter. Re-elected for a second term in 2014, he held this position until 2020, guiding the Salesian Congregation in its mission for and with young people.
Under his coordination, the Salesian Youth Ministry Framework (2013) was published, a foundational document offering updated guidelines for Salesian pastoral work worldwide. Fr. Attard promoted global initiatives such as the International Congress on Youth Ministry and the Family (Madrid, 2017) and coordinated activities to address issues such as marginalization, poverty, and migration.
He also strengthened missionary volunteer programs and consolidated technical and vocational education and training (TVET) through initiatives like Don Bosco Tech Africa and Don Bosco Tech ASEAN, representing the Salesians at important international forums on youth policy, migration, and youth employment in Brussels and New York.
A Bridge Between Theology and Pastoral Care
In addition to his administrative roles, Fr. Attard has always stood out as a builder of bridges between theology and pastoral care. In 2005, he founded and directed the Pastoral Formation Institute in Malta, dedicated to the training of lay people engaged in pastoral ministry. He continued to teach as a visiting professor at the Pontifical Salesian University, contributing to the intellectual and spiritual development of Salesian educators and their collaborators.
His contribution to the universal Church was recognized in 2018, when Pope Francis appointed him as a Consultant to the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. His participation in the Synod on Young People (2018) highlighted his commitment to giving voice to young people and fostering their greater integration into the life of the Church.
A Leader for the Future of the Salesian Congregation
At the end of his term as General Councillor, Fr. Attard was tasked with coordinating Salesian and Lay Formation in Europe from 2020 to 2023. This project led to the creation of a master’s program for the formation of Salesians and lay collaborators, now managed by the Pontifical Salesian University in collaboration with the Youth Ministry Sector.
Carrying Forward Don Bosco’s Dream
As the new Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard will lead a Congregation composed of 13,750 consecrated Salesians, organized in 92 provinces and present in 136 nations. With his deep spirituality, charismatic vision, brilliant academic career, and decades of experience, he is fully prepared to animate and govern the Salesian Congregation and the Salesian Family in the 21st century.
His election represents a new dawn for the Salesian Congregation, which, under his leadership, will continue to grow as a global force for education, evangelization, and social transformation. Fr. Attard will inspire and motivate Salesians, lay collaborators, and young people worldwide to carry forward Don Bosco’s mission: to be witnesses and bearers of God’s love for young people, especially the most in need.
Under his leadership, the Salesian Congregation will continue to flourish, carrying forward Don Bosco’s dream and transforming the lives of thousands of young people worldwide. He is called to lead the second-largest religious Congregation in the world, generating hope and light for new generations.