Vicar of the Rector Major

Organisation of the Salesian Congregation

The Vicar of the Rector Major in the Salesian Congregation
Within the central government of the Salesian Congregation, the Vicar of the Rector Major holds a role of great responsibility. He is the first collaborator of the Rector Major and, when necessary, assumes his functions. His presence is an integral part of that collegial structure which Don Bosco wanted for his Congregation: no one governs alone, but in communion with others.

How he is appointed
The Vicar of the Rector Major is elected by the General Chapter, the same assembly that elects the Rector Major. This choice underlines the weight of his role: he is not a secondary support figure, but an autonomous point of reference for the whole Congregation. His term of office also lasts six years, in parallel with that of the Rector Major.

What he does
The fundamental task of the Vicar is to assist the Rector Major in the ordinary government of the Congregation. He is a member of the General Council, the collegial body that accompanies the Rector Major in the most important decisions, and he takes an active part in the life of the Congregation at world level.
More specifically, the Vicar:
– takes the place of the Rector Major when the latter is absent or impeded, assuming all his responsibilities;
– collaborates in the care of relations with the Salesian provinces throughout the world;
– follows particular areas of congregational life, according to what is entrusted to him by the Rector Major;
– takes part in the reflection and decisions of the General Council on themes concerning the mission, the life of the communities and the formation of the Salesians.

A role of liaison
In the daily practice of governance, the Vicar often performs a linking function: he is a stable and accessible presence, able to follow situations and processes that require continuity. This is particularly useful in a Congregation that operates in very different contexts, from the mission in distant lands to the educational works in large cities.
His figure recalls a style of governance that Don Bosco held dear: sharing responsibilities, walking together, avoiding that the burden of leadership fall on one person alone. The Vicar is not a simple "deputy", but a collaborator with his own identity and responsibility in the government of the Congregation.

In the Salesian tradition
Throughout the history of the Congregation, the Vicars of the Rector Major have often played a discreet yet precious role: they have ensured continuity in times of transition, carried forward processes already begun, and represented the Congregation in institutional and ecclesial settings. Some of them were later elected Rectors Major, confirming the path of maturity and knowledge that this role makes it possible to undertake.

The Vicar of the Rector Major represents, in short, one of the elements that make Salesian governance a shared governance. In fidelity to the family spirit that Don Bosco handed on, this figure too is called to serve the mission with simplicity, competence and a spirit of communion.

At present the Vicar of the Rector Major is Fr Stefano MARTOGLIO, elected in 2025.

To access the documents of the Vicar of the Rector Major, click HERE .