During its last General Chapter, the Salesian Society chose a new Rector Major, 53 year old Spanish priest Angel Fernandez.
FR. ANGEL FERNíNDEZ ARTIME
Rector Major of the Salesians
'I feel really close to all the Salesian members of Don Bosco, to all the Salesian family, which is so big, with its 30 different groups... The ones I have in my heart are, obviously, the young people.â?
As new Rector Major, Fr. Fernandez will have to make sure that the legacy of Don Bosco, founder of the Salesians, stays true to itself; that it keeps looking after poor and marginalized.
FR. ANGEL FERNANDEZ ARTIME
Rector Major of the Salesians
'That was the topic of our General Chapter. First we had to examine ourselves. And then we realized that our challenge was to remain men of God, religious, mystical... We also want to promote brotherhood.â?
The pastoral labor took Fr. Fernandez to several African countries, as well as Spain and Argentina. There, he met Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now Pope Francis.
FR. ANGEL FERNANDEZ ARTIME
Rector Major of the Salesians
'He distinguished himself for his modesty, austerity and proximity. For example, every time I called him, but he was busy, his secretary would tell me: 'Don't worry, once he is free, he'll call you as soon as possible.' He always kept his word: half an hour later, an hour at the most, Cardinal Bergoglio would be on the phone asking me: 'How are you doing?'â?
Fr. Angel Fernandez is the 10th successor to Don Bosco. For the next six years, he'll guide a 'familyâ? of 300,000 members who are scattered throughout 132 countries.
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