The theme was chosen in collaboration between the Rector Major of the Congregation, Card. Á.F. Artime, and his Vicar, Fr Stefano Martoglio, who will take over the governance of the Congregation from 17 August until the 29th General Chapter (16 February - 12 April 2025). As explained by the Rector Major himself in the document presenting the theme of the Strenna, the text written by "two pairs of hands" specifically concerns the choice of the theme and its presentation, while the commentary on the Strenna proper will be developed entirely by Fr Martoglio, acting in the place of the Rector Major,. He will also present it officially to the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and to the entire Salesian Family – as usual, in the last days of December.
The basics that helped identify the theme are two important anniversaries planned for next year: the Church's Ordinary Jubilee for the Year 2025, which the Holy Father Pope Francis called with his bull Spes Non Confundit (Hope does not disappoint, Rom 5: 5); and the Salesian 150th anniversary of the first Salesian Missionary Expedition, sent by Don Bosco to Argentina.
All this has led us to think that the Strenna for 2025 must have “hope” at its core, and the path that we will follow with the young. This justifies the title “Anchored in hope, pilgrims with young people”” the Rector Major writes.
Presenting the theme of the Strenna for 2025 – provided as a tradition at this time of the year to allow the new educative and pastoral year in some countries to be planned starting as early as September – Card. Fernández Artime and Fr Martoglio offer different ideas on how to prepare for next year in Christian and Salesian terms, drawing inspiration for Strenna from the papal Bull, as well as from the words of hope (experienced, realised, sometimes wounded) of young people around the world.
To know their thinking in detail, simply download and read the full text of the Strenna presentation, available at the bottom of the page in Italian, English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.
