(Rome, February 9, 2024) – The Strennas that Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, now Cardinal, has produced and disseminated in his 10 years at the head of the Salesian Congregation (2014-2024) are the subject of a publication by his Secretary and spokesperson, Fr Giuseppe Costa. The collection is entitled "Called to Love with Hope" and in the introduction among other things states, the authoritative contributions of journalist Enzo Romeo, professor of the Theological Faculty of Sicily Massimo Naro, and sociologist Cecilia Costa, of the University of Roma Tre, who, from their point of view, make a transversal reading of the volume.

The tradition of the Strennas by the Rectors Major of the Salesian Congregation represents a special element of Don Bosco's legacy. In the Salesian context, the Strenna is a symbolic and significant gift offered by the Rector Major – the Superior General of the Congregation – to those who share the Salesian mission in the world. It is usually offered at Christmas time, between Christmas and New Year, to inspire the pastoral care for the following year.

In addition to offering readers the full texts of the messages of the Strennas offered by the 10th Successor of Don Bosco, the book includes posters created by the Salesian Info Agency (ANS) on the occasion of the annual publication of the individual Strennas, and is also enriched with some other photos, provided by ANS and by "IME Comunications", relating to trips, visits, meetings and moments in the life of Ángel Fernández Artime.

On Thursday, 29 February 2024, the book will be presented at the Maria Santissima Bambina Institute, at Via Paolo VI, Rome, during an event that can also be followed remotely by watching the live stream available on YouTube.

The presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. (UTC+1), with an introduction by Fr Giuseppe Costa, editor of the volume. Speeches will then be given by Valentina Alazraki, Vatican Journalist, correspondent for "Televisa" (Mexico); Roberto Cipriani, Professor emeritus of Sociology, University of Roma Tre; Marco Girardo, Director of "Avvenire"; and Arianna Rotondo, Professor of History of Christianity and the Churches, University of Catania and Card. Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians. The moderator of the presentation will be Luca Caruso, Journalist, Press Officer of the "Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation".