The celebration, held in the refurbished Teatro Magenta, was attended by numerous Salesians from the Central Italy Circumscription (ICC), the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) Vice-Province, the communities of Testaccio and Buffalotta, as well as communities directly under the Rector Major – the Vatican, San Callisto, Castel Gandolfo and the Generalate.
A particularly significant and heartfelt presence was the Rector Major Emeritus, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, whose participation made the evening feel even more intimate and meaningful. The gathering was made all the more joyful by the presence of Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, a Salesian of Don Bosco, a sign of the universal dimension of the charism.
A programme experienced as a family occasion
The evening opened with the opening hymn, a solemn hymn to Don Bosco which immersed the assembly in an atmosphere of joy and gratitude. This was not merely a musical interlude, but a true declaration of identity: every expression of thanks to the Rector Major springs, in fact, from the very heart of the charism and from the living presence of the Founder.
The welcome address
Next, Fr Francesco Marcoccio, Rector of the Headquarters Community, delivered his welcome address, officially opening the tribute and congratulations.
In his address he highlighted the historical and symbolic significance of the Teatro Magenta. It is not merely a restored building, but a place deeply linked to Salesian history. Great Salesians of Don Bosco have passed through its doors, and significant moments in the life of the Congregation have been experienced there. For decades, from the 1950s to the 1980s, the theatre was also a cultural hub for the neighbourhood: cinema, theatre and educational initiatives helped to convey Christian and human values.
“It is such an important and beautiful place,” he recalled, “and we are grateful to the Superiors who chose to return it to the Salesian communities and their internal activities. Otherwise, it would have been lost.”
Fr Marcoccio then presented the Rector Major with a striking image: that of water. Referring to a homily by Fr Attard on John the Baptist, he recalled how the encounter between John and Jesus took place in water, a sign of life and revelation. He evoked two episodes linked to Don Bosco: one on 30 April 1882, when he saw the young Luigi Colle drawing water from a well representing the Sacred Heart (‘The more water you draw out, the more I have left’), and the dream on 1 May 1886, in which Mamma Margaret invited Don Bosco to drink water ‘at a high price’, bearing the sins of others. A clear reference to the mission of the Rector Major, called to bear the weight of the Congregation with love and responsibility.
“God has given you a big heart”
The programme continued with a contribution from the Zeffirino Namuncurá community, featuring the play “La Gerla”, performed by young Salesians in formation. Through an imaginary dialogue set during the final days of Don Bosco’s life, the dream of a great vineyard and a basket to carry on one’s shoulders was evoked. Don Bosco, weary yet confident, realises that the work is not his own but the Father’s, and that the mission will continue through his successors.
The community then invited everyone to sing “God has given you a big heart” together, remembering the Founder and making the continuity of the charism visible through song. The symbolic passing of the basket to the Rector Major, who was present in the hall, stirred deep emotion, making the continuity of the charism throughout history tangible.
The other honourees
A particularly significant moment was the presentation of gifts to the Salesians celebrating significant anniversaries of ordination or profession this year, handed over personally by the Rector Major. Called by name, those honoured received their gifts to the applause of the assembly, before remaining on stage for a commemorative photograph. A simple gesture, yet one filled with gratitude for their years of fidelity and service.
“Stay here with us”
The celebration continued with a song performed by the Central Italy Circumscription: “Stay here with us”. A musical expression of affection and communion that drew the assembly into a genuinely family-like atmosphere, expressing esteem and gratitude towards Don Bosco’s Successor.
The video dedicated to the Rector Major
A video prepared by the Communications Sector, dedicated to the Rector Major, was then screened as a sign of gratitude for his service to the Congregation and the Salesian Family throughout the world.
The Vicar’s words
The highlight of the evening was the words of gratitude from the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Stefano Martoglio. Speaking in a familiar and cordial tone, he emphasised the strength of this tradition: “This celebration of the Rector Major is a timeless continuity. From the very beginning. Without interruption. A continuity in the name and presence of Don Bosco since 1847.”
He reminded those present that gratitude must not become a mere habit, but must be celebrated. “We are here on behalf of thousands of people,” he stated, highlighting how many Salesians around the world are familiar with this tradition without ever having been able to experience it first-hand. Those present thus expressed their thanks also on behalf of that multitude.
His address concluded with the Rector Major being entrusted to the Mother in Heaven through the recitation of the Hail Mary.
Striving for holiness
The Pontifical Salesian University offered a creative and dynamic presentation, using a sporting metaphor to describe the life of the Congregation as an international team, rich in diverse cultures and vocations. The message was clear: holiness is the true goal. A holiness lived out in study, in daily work, in fraternity and in apostolic zeal. The hymn “Stoffa di Santità” brought the moment to a close with enthusiasm and conviction.
From celebration to prayer
The celebration continued in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart with Solemn Vespers, presided over by the Rector Major, and experienced in an atmosphere of contemplation and gratitude. At the end, he offered the traditional Salesian goodnight, sharing a reflection on the Feast of Thanksgiving. The evening then concluded with a fraternal agape meal, a concrete sign of the family spirit that characterises the spirit of Don Bosco.
The Feast of Thanksgiving was thus experienced as a moment of renewed communion. The Congregation recognises in Don Bosco’s Successor, a fatherly presence and a service of unity. The gratitude expressed was not merely nostalgia for the past, but a commitment to the present and the future: so that the burden may continue to be passed from hand to hand, sustained by God’s grace and the fidelity of his sons.
{gallery}Festa Grazie RM 2026{/gallery}
