The Salesians of Don Bosco have taken a significant step in strengthening leadership and governance across their global network through a week-long formation programme for Vice-Provincials, held in Rome from 19 to 25 April 2026. Fr James Ailen, our vice provincial, was among the participants.
Convened under the guidance of the Rector Major, Fabio Attard, and his Vicar, Stefano Martoglio, the gathering brought together 16 Vice-Provincials from 8 regions, reflecting the international character of the Salesian mission.
At its core, the initiative underscores a key priority of the congregation: ensuring that those entrusted with leadership are not only administratively competent but also deeply rooted in the charism of John Bosco. Vice-Provincials play a crucial role in supporting Provincial Superiors in animation, governance, and the accompaniment of Salesian communities. Their formation, therefore, is essential for sustaining unity, mission effectiveness, and fidelity to Salesian identity.
The programme combined moments of prayer, reflection, and fraternal exchange with thematic sessions on youth ministry, formation, missionary activity, juridical responsibilities, social communication, and economic stewardship. While these sessions provided practical tools for leadership, their deeper aim was to foster a holistic vision of service—one that integrates pastoral sensitivity with organizational responsibility.
In today’s rapidly changing social and cultural landscape, the formation of leaders within religious congregations has become increasingly important. The Salesians, known worldwide for their dedication to the education and evangelization of young people, recognize that effective leadership must respond to emerging challenges such as youth unemployment, digital transformation, and shifting moral frameworks. By investing in the formation of Vice-Provincials, the congregation seeks to ensure that its mission remains both relevant and impactful.
Equally significant was the emphasis on shared experience and intercultural dialogue. Participants engaged in open discussions and moments of communal discernment, allowing them to learn from one another’s contexts and challenges. This exchange reflects a broader ecclesial vision promoted by the Catholic Church—that leadership is exercised not in isolation but through collaboration and synodality.
The formation concluded with a synthesis and evaluation led by the Rector Major and his Vicar, reaffirming the importance of continuous formation in religious life. As the participants return to their respective provinces, they carry with them not only new insights and competencies but also a renewed commitment to serve young people with the spirit of Don Bosco.
Ultimately, this initiative highlights a fundamental conviction: that the vitality of the Salesian mission depends largely on the quality of its leaders. By forming Vice-Provincials who are both spiritually grounded and pastorally effective, the Salesians continue to invest in a future where young people remain at the heart of their apostolic mission.
