The document prepared by Fr Martoglio essentially deals with the themes of hope and mission, in this way intertwining the great events – ecclesial and Salesian – of 2025: the Jubilee and the 150th anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition.
In the first part, the 2025 Jubilee is presented as a pilgrimage to Christ, a source of hope for the Church and the world. The theological meaning of hope is explored, describing it as a path to Christ and eternal life, and which is characterised as a virtue marked by continuous tension, prophetic vision, momentum towards the future and public dimension.
The Congregation's missionary impetus is derived from hope in Christ, where the mission becomes an expression of Don Bosco's educational and pastoral charity, inspired by the motto Da mihi animas, cetera tolle; and where the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition leads to a reflection on the attitudes of the being sent/missionary and on the threefold invitation of this celebration: to give thanks, rethink and relaunch.
The jubilee and missionary hope is then grounded in its practical implications: hope as the strength to face everyday life, the hope that demands testimony and patience, the hope that allows to promote the future through an active and constant commitment in their communities.
Finally, the origins of hope are examined, with its roots in God and in the spiritual legacy of Don Bosco; and the "fruits" of hope proper to Salesian spirituality are indicated, such as joy, patience and educational commitment.
All this then leaves room for a conclusion that goes back to Don Bosco, relying on Mary Help of Christians and on her being a model of hope and trust, a fundamental reference point for the Christian journey and in the Salesian mission.
The full text of the commentary to Strenna 2025 is available at the bottom of the page.
