The ING Confreres along with the Rector Major Rev Fr Fabio Attard SDB at the Generalate at Rome.
The four confreres from the Province of Guwahati, Fr Abhilash Vadakkekara SDB, Fr Jogesh B. Sangma SDB, Fr P.D. Johny SDB, and Fr Jose Palely SDB who are currently in Rome to attend the IUS International Conference, had the privilege of meeting and interacting with the Rector Major, Don Fabio Attard SDB, on 28 October 2025, during one of the days of the conference.
The International Conference of the Salesian Institutions of Higher Education (IUS) is being held under the theme “Participatory Models in Salesian Higher Education: Synodal & Salesian Facilitation.” The gathering brings together Catholic educational leaders and IUS members from across the world to reflect, share, and renew their commitment to Salesian higher education.
The event opened on Monday, 27 October, with the Inaugural Eucharist of the Jubilee of Education celebrated by Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Basilica. In his homily, the Holy Father reminded the academic community that “those who study are lifted up, broadening their horizons and perspectives in order to recover a vision that does not look downward, but is capable of looking upward, toward God, others, and the mystery of life.” Following the Mass, the Salesian participants gathered for a fraternal dinner hosted by the Rector Major at the Sacro Cuore.
The Opening Session of the IUS Conference was held the next morning, 28 October, at the Viganò Hall of the Università Pontificia Salesiana. The session featured inspiring reflections from Don Fabio Attard SDB, Rector Major, and Don Andrea Bozzolo SDB, Rector of the Salesian University, who together explored the theme of “Synodality, Salesian Identity, and Facilitation.” Their discourse invited participants to rediscover the heart of Salesian pedagogy, accompaniment, dialogue, and participation and to translate these values into modern educational leadership and institutional culture.
Fr George Thadathil SDB, the IUS General Coordinator, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Rectors of Salesian Universities for the enriching insights shared by the Rector Major and the Rector of UPS. He also introduced the Facilitation Team that will accompany the sessions throughout the conference.
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