Walking with a Salesian Shepherd

By Mrs. Andrea Zimmerman, Salesian Family SDB Delegate, Salesian Cooperator

With great joy and deep gratitude, I welcome and pray for our new Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB. Many of you have likely read about his extraordinary contributions to the Salesian Congregation—from his global work in youth ministry to his commitment to forming lay collaborators, families, and educators in the Salesian spirit.

As someone who has had the privilege of encountering Fr. Fabio during several meaningful moments in ministry, I’d like to share how these experiences have profoundly shaped my understanding of Salesian leadership, pastoral accompaniment, and Don Bosco's joyful mission.

First Encounter: A Formator of Vision and Passion

While serving on the youth ministry team under the guidance of Fr. Abraham Feliciano, SDB, I had the grace-filled opportunity to participate in a formation session with Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB. Delivered through a dynamic and thoughtful interview format, this session became a moment of deep inspiration and renewal.

Fr. Fabio spoke with a fire in his heart about the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM)—not just as a structure, but as a living, breathing network of young people, educators, and animators united by the spirituality of Don Bosco. His words were not simply informative; they were prophetic. He painted a vision of a global family walking together in faith, joy, and service—called to animate the world with the Salesian spirit.

What deeply resonated with me was his emphasis on the shared mission of the Salesian Family—SDBs, FMAs, lay collaborators, and the young themselves. He reminded us that an animator and educator are not separate roles in Salesian ministry; they are one and the same. A true Salesian presence means accompanying young people not only through activities and programs but through authentic relationships—being present in their lives, helping them uncover their God-given identity and purpose.

Fr. Fabio called us to create spaces where the young feel genuinely at home—known, loved, and encouraged to dream. These are places where they can imagine who they are called to be and how they can make a difference. He invited us to journey with them—not ahead of them or behind them—but beside them, nurturing their growth spiritually, morally, intellectually, and culturally.

In that moment, I saw not just a formator, but a Salesian visionary who challenges us to give our time, love, and presence to the young, to form “good Christians and upright citizens” through joyful accompaniment, deep listening, and genuine friendship.

This encounter rekindled my passion for the Salesian mission. It reminded me that the heart of our ministry is not found in strategy or structure, but in being with and for the young—loving them as Don Bosco did, and believing in the greatness that God has placed within them.

Second Encounter: A Witness of Joyful Hospitality

In 2017, I attended the International Congress on Youth Ministry and the Family in Madrid. I had just arrived—jet-lagged and exhausted—hoping to wake up quietly in a corner of the large venue. Then, from across the room, a joyful SDB priest walked over, smiled warmly, and said, “You look like you need a cup of coffee.” That priest was Fr. Fabio.

He returned moments later with a steaming cup of coffee, and in that simple act, he embodied the very heart of Salesian hospitality:

• He sought out someone alone.
• He welcomed the person with joy, kindness, and attentiveness.
• He was attuned to another’s need.
• He responded with humble service.

This moment, though small, captured the essence of Don Bosco's approach: to see, approach, understand, and act with love.

Third Encounter: A Leader Who Listens and Includes

In 2018, I was invited by our former Provincial Fr. Tim Zak, SDB, and Fr. Abraham Feliciano, SDB, to represent our province at an international meeting in Rome focused on integrating family into youth ministry. The gathering brought together about 20 participants, but only three spoke English. The meeting was led by Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB, who guided us through a deep and reflective process rooted in the Salesian Youth Ministry Framework (the Framework).

He divided us into small working groups, each assigned a specific component of the Framework, and challenged us to weave in the role of the family. After our group sessions, Fr. Fabio gathered all the notes and—most memorably—stayed up most of the night translating every group’s reflection into English, ensuring the voices of the English-speaking participants were heard and could fully engage.

His actions spoke volumes:

• He valued every voice at the table.
• He was willing to sacrifice his own comfort to ensure full inclusion.
• He created an environment where each person felt they belonged and mattered.

Fr. Fabio didn’t just talk about inclusive leadership—he lived it. His ability to listen deeply, make space for others, and foster authentic participation left a lasting impact on me. That experience was a true example of Salesian accompaniment that builds trust, invites collaboration, and lifts every person into the mission.

Fourth Encounter: A Shepherd Who Guides and Accompanies

When our provincial, Fr. Dominic Tran, SDB, appointed me the Salesian Family SDB Delegate in July 2024, I was grateful to be accompanied by two wise mentors—Fr. Tom Dunne, SDB, and Sr. Denise Sickinger, FMA—whose support and encouragement continue to bless my journey. Alongside their guidance, I reached out to Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB, to seek his wisdom on the broader vision of the Salesian Family.

Fr. Fabio graciously offered encouragement and practical resources for formation and leadership. He reminded me that the future of the Salesian Family rests not just in good organization, but in a renewed sense of identity and formation. He wrote:

“We must give attention to the Salesian Family not simply on the level of organization…but more importantly, on the level of identity and formation.”

He followed up by sending links to relevant General Chapter documents and promising to continue sharing materials supporting this sacred task. This simple but profound exchange reminded me of Don Bosco’s way: to walk with others, listen, and form hearts for mission. Fr. Fabio’s accompaniment at this moment showed his deep care for the work and the person behind it. He lives the Salesian charism with joyful authenticity, making time to guide those called to serve the young and the Church.

In all these encounters, Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB, has shown himself to be a Salesian of Don Bosco in heart and action—a man of deep prayer, joyful presence, inclusive leadership, and generous accompaniment.

Now, as Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB, leads our global Salesian Family with a shepherd’s heart. I am filled with hope knowing that someone who teaches the Charism also embodies it in every interaction. Let us keep him in our prayers and continue to support one another as we walk together as joyful pilgrims of hope, committed to holiness and the salvation of the young, as Don Bosco dreamed.