【慈幼通訊社 ─ 2025 年03月26日意大利都靈訊】 ─ 今早是慈幼會歷史上的一個重要時刻：新任總會長、鮑思高神父第 11 位繼承人歐達德神父 (Fabio Attard) 在都靈華道角聖母進教之佑大殿主持了他當選後的第一台彌撒。這是一個莊嚴而深刻的屬神盛會，充滿了感恩和反思，慈幼家庭聚集在一起感謝天主賜予聖體聖事，並深思鮑思高神父繼任者的使命和願景。
聖體聖事：天主最偉大的愛
歐達德神父在講道中，強調了聖體聖事的深刻意義，稱其為天主之愛的最偉大表達。他邀請與會者將慶祝活動作為感恩的時刻，回顧這事件對修會的益處和重要性。
彌撒期間宣讀的經文強調了天主子民的旅程——這是一段轉變和成長的旅程，從一種狀態到另一種狀態，始終朝著更偉大、更美好的目標前進。
「上主邀請我們聆聽、追隨並自由選擇，」歐達德神父說，「這並不是出於恐懼或義務，而是出於真誠而深刻的與他同行的願望。」隨後，他強調了個人自由和責任在回應天主召喚的重要性。
聆聽與成熟的信仰
歐達德神父強調聆聽的重要性，並將其描述為信仰的基礎。他解釋說，真正的聆聽不是被動的，而是主動的、變革性的，能夠幫助人們變得更加成熟和睿智。
他說：「聆聽天主聖言，使我們成為真正的見證人，能夠在生活的各個方面實踐和傳播福音。」
隨後，他向在場的教育工作者和神父發出特別呼籲，敦促他們審視自己聆聽和作見證的能力。他強調：「我們的任務不僅是教導，更要用我們的生活去激勵。我們的見證必須超越言語，傳達聰敏、先知之言和愛的具體跡象，觸動年輕人的心靈。」
鮑思高神父：牧民愛德的典範
新任總會長隨後將注意力集中到鮑思高神父身上，鮑思高神父依然是慈幼會取之不盡、用之不竭的靈感泉源。他將鮑思高神父描述為具有牧民愛德的人，其特點是智慧、明智，並且對年輕人充滿深厚的愛。
「鮑思高神父的計劃不是宣傳性的，而是福音性的，」歐達德神父說，「因此，這是可信的。」
他也強調了鮑思高神父在教友、非教友和其他信仰人士之間建立聯繫的能力，始終以使年輕人受益為目標。歐達德神父隨後勸勉慈幼會會士效法鮑思高神父的榜樣，以同樣的牧民愛德、智慧和專業精神履行他們的使命。
記憶與失去意義的危險
講道的中心主題是慈幼神恩的記憶價值。歐達德神父警告說，在為天主工作中可能會遺忘天主，並警告這可能會導致意義和真實性的喪失。
他說：「當我們忘記天主的愛時，我們就會變得膚淺，並脫離我們被要求完成的使命。」
他隨後強調，對天主愛的記憶是維持和激勵使命的動力，特別是在困難的時刻。
耶穌基督：愛與律法的實現
歐達德神父提醒會眾，耶穌基督是律法的實現，也是天主愛的終極表達。他說：「他是道路、真理和生命」，並邀請大家重新發現與基督共融的喜悅和深度。
然後，他談到了成熟、快樂和自覺遵守愛的法則的重要性，這是慈幼神恩的核心。他觀察到，這就是鮑思高神父預防教育的精髓──不只是一種技術，而是一種受福音啟發的精神，能夠透過愛改變生命。
預防教育法：福音的願景
反思鮑思高神父的預防教育法，歐達德神父將其描述為「我們的福音」。他指出，這不僅僅是一種方法，而是一種結合了宗教、理智和仁愛的精神，引導年輕人走向充滿意義和目標的生活。
他說：「預防教育法讓我們滿懷希望和愛心地展望未來，幫助年輕人發現他們的潛力和人生道路。」
懷著責任與感恩，展望未來
在結束他的講道時，歐達德神父對這段帶他走到這一刻的旅程表示感謝。他說：「我認為這是一份禮物，也是一份責任。」 「這是一個召叫，號召年輕人和慈幼家庭在基督愛的指引下，踏上前往應許之地的旅程。」
他邀請大家重新致力於慈幼神恩，並敦促他們充滿信仰、希望和愛心地生活。他說：「與耶穌一起，在耶穌內，透過耶穌，我們可以繼續一起走這段美麗的旅程。」
恩寵與更新的時刻
歐達德神父擔任總會長後的首台彌撒是慈幼會的恩寵和更新時刻。他提醒大家慈幼會會士肩負的深刻使命：成為天主愛的活見證，特別是對年輕人，並在信仰、希望和愛德中共同前進。
慶祝活動結束時，在聖母進教之佑大殿，人們明顯感受到喜悅，並重燃決心——這對鮑思高神父的第 11 位繼承人歐達德神父來說是一個完美的開始。
The First Mass of the New Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians
(ANS – Italy–Turin, 26 March 2025) – This morning marked a significant moment in the history of the Salesian Congregation: Fr. Fabio Attard, the new Rector Major and 11th Successor of Don Bosco, presided over his first Mass at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco, Turin. It was a solemn and deeply spiritual occasion marked by gratitude and reflection, during which the Salesian Family gathered to give thanks to God for the gift of the Eucharist and to meditate on the mission and vision of Don Bosco’s successor.
Eucharist: the Greatest Expression of God’s Love
In his homily, Fr. Fabio emphasized the profound meaning of the Eucharist, describing it as the greatest expression of God’s love. He invited the assembly to live the celebration as a moment of thanksgiving, recalling the beauty and importance of this event for the Congregation.
The readings proclaimed during the Mass highlighted the journey of God’s people—a journey of transformation and growth, leading from one condition to another, always toward something greater and better.
“The Lord invites us to listen, to follow, and to choose freely,” said Fr. Fabio, “not out of fear or obligation, but from an authentic and profound desire to walk with Him.” He then stressed the importance of personal freedom and responsibility in responding to God’s call.
Listening and the Maturation of Faith
Fr. Fabio reflected on the importance of listening, describing it as the foundation of faith. He explained that true listening is not passive but active and transformative, capable of helping people grow in maturity and wisdom.
“Listening to the Word of God,” he observed, “makes us authentic witnesses, capable of living and communicating the Gospel in every aspect of life.”
He then issued a particular appeal to educators and pastors present, urging them to examine their ability to listen and bear witness. “Our task is not only to teach,” he emphasized, “but to inspire through our lives. Our witness must go beyond words, communicating concrete signs of intelligence, prophecy, and love that speak to the hearts of young people.”
Don Bosco: A Model of Pastoral Charity
The new Rector Major then drew attention to the figure of Don Bosco, who remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the Salesian Family. He described Don Bosco as a man of pastoral charity, characterized by wisdom, prudence, and a deep love for young people.
“Don Bosco’s project was not propagandistic, but evangelical,” said Fr. Fabio, “and for this reason, it was credible.”
He also highlighted Don Bosco’s ability to create connections among believers, non-believers, and people of other faiths, always with the aim of benefiting young people. Fr. Fabio then exhorted the Salesian Family to follow Don Bosco’s example, living their vocation with the same spirit of pastoral charity, wisdom, and professionalism.
Memory and the Danger of Losing Meaning
A central theme of the homily was the value of memory in the Salesian mission. Fr. Fabio warned against the risk of losing the memory of God while working for Him, cautioning that this could lead to a loss of meaning and authenticity.
“When we forget the memory of God’s love,” he said, “we risk becoming superficial and disconnected from the mission we are called to fulfill.”
He then emphasized that the memory of God’s love is what sustains and energizes the mission, especially in difficult moments.
Jesus Christ: the Fulfillment of Love and the Law
Fr. Fabio reminded the congregation that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the law and the definitive expression of God’s love. “He is the way, the truth, and the life,” he said, inviting everyone to rediscover the joy and depth of communion with Christ.
He then spoke of the importance of living a mature, joyful, and conscious adherence to the law of love, which is the heart of the Salesian mission. This, he observed, is the essence of Don Bosco’s preventive system—not merely a technique but a spirituality inspired by the Gospel, capable of transforming lives through love.
The Preventive System: An Evangelical Vision
Reflecting on Don Bosco’s preventive system, Fr. Fabio described it as “our Gospel.” He noted that it is not merely a method but a spirituality that combines faith, reason, and love to guide young people toward a life full of meaning and purpose.
“The preventive system,” he said, “invites us to look forward with hope and love, helping young people discover their potential and their path in life.”
Looking to the Future with Responsibility and Gratitude
Concluding his homily, Fr. Fabio expressed gratitude for the journey that brought him to this moment. “I see this as a gift and a responsibility,” he stated. “It is a call to accompany young people and the Salesian Family on this journey toward the Promised Land, guided by Christ’s love.”
He invited everyone to renew their commitment to the Salesian mission, urging them to live with faith, hope, and love. “With Jesus, in Jesus, and through Jesus,” he said, “we can continue to walk together on this beautiful journey.”
A Moment of Grace and Renewal
Fr. Fabio Attard’s first Mass as Rector Major was a moment of grace and renewal for the Salesian Family. He reminded everyone of the profound mission entrusted to the Salesians: to be living witnesses of God’s love, especially for young people, and to walk together in faith, hope, and charity.
At the end of the celebration, in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, there was a palpable sense of joy and renewed determination—a perfect beginning for Fr. Fabio’s ministry as the 11th Successor of Don Bosco.