The Rector Major's Strenna for next year will not be an "ordinary" one, but will have its own particular characteristics that will make it unique and of even greater importance than usual. In fact, following the Rector Major's appointment as Cardinal and the provisions for the Congregation subsequently given by Pope Francis, it will be Fr Ángel Fernández Artime's final Strenna; moreover, the chosen theme – the dream at nine years of age – is a deep and rich source, a condensation of Salesian spirituality and educative and pastoral methodology.
"This dream at 9 years of age is a real kaleidoscope of themes that interact with each other, making it a genuine communicative ecosystem of images, sounds, words, actions, interactions, emotions, tensions, dramas, support and trust. The dream is a true archetype of Don Bosco’s spirituality and Preventive System. From the beginning to the end of the dream we have a common thread that constitutes the message in its entirety. It is as if this 9-year-old’s dream is an educational parable, a seed that gives life to a tree, a beginning that gives life to a life story, the creation of an original work of art.2
Precisely for this reason there is great attention throughout the Salesian Family on Strenna and on all the materials that are used to accompany it – especially the poster.
Here, therefore, is the proposal of the competition created by the Communication Sector: all illustrators, designers and graphic centres of the Congregation and beyond will be able to participate, and will be able to send their proposals to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 5 September 2023 – in order to submit the various options to the Rector Major with the appropriate time for the printing and dissemination of the poster.
The authors of the first three selected posters will also be honoured with a cash prize of € 2,000, 1,250 and 750 respectively.
"We expect a great response from the artists of the Salesian world” – says Fr Harris Pakkam, Director of ANS– iNfo Salesian Information Agency – in conclusion. “The challenge is demanding, but the possibility of being able to represent the Strenna on Don Bosaco's childhood dream is certainly a very strong incentive for all those who love Don Bosco and the Salesian mission."
