Rector Major Fr Fabio Attard has officially announced the 2027 Strenna theme for the Salesian Family:

"Charity is patient, charity is kind –  Dedicated' to the integral good of young people."

 

The theme calls for a renewed educational and pastoral commitment to youth, drawing deeply from St Paul’s teachings and Don Bosco’s pedagogical legacy.

 

It specifically celebrates two major 150th anniversaries from 1877:

 

The First Missionary Expedition of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

 

The writing of Don Bosco's cornerstone work, The Preventive System in the Education of Youth.

 

Structure of the 2027 Strenna

The document is structured into two primary sections that bridge theological foundations with modern educational practice:

 

St Paul's Hymn to CharityThe first part uses chapter 13 of the First Letter to the Corinthians as a benchmark for pastoral authenticity. It emphasizes that no matter the skills or deeds possessed, efforts to guide youth lose all value without genuine love.Modernizing the Preventive System

 

The second part updates Don Bosco's three educational pillars to meet contemporary challenges:

 

Reason: Promotes a "pedagogy of encounter" that prioritizes the individual stories and potential of young people over rigid programs, advocating for networks built collaboratively with youth.

Religion: Focuses on addressing the "spiritual thirst" and isolation prevalent in today's hyper-connected era, guiding young people to find silence and recognize God's voice.

Loving-kindness: Uses Jesus the Good Shepherd as the ultimate model for walking alongside youth. It calls for a gentle, attentive presence, particularly directed toward the poorest and most marginalized.

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Fr Attard reminds the Salesian Family that the Preventive System is not just a method, but a charismatic treasure where competence and love must seamlessly intertwine. The full text of the 2027 Strenna will be released at the end of December 2026.