"Do whatever He tells You"

“Do whatever He tells you”
Rector Major Unveils the Theme of Strenna 2026

(ANS – Rome – August 5, 2025) – The theme of Strenna 2026 has been officially unveiled by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, who offers the Salesian Family a detailed and heartfelt overview of this year’s choice and the spiritual journey ahead. The theme, “Do whatever He tells you” – Believers, free to serve, is deeply rooted in the Gospel and the heart of the Salesian charism, inviting every member of the Family to a renewed experience of faith, freedom, and generous service.

Presented at a significant moment for the Salesian world, Strenna 2026 builds on the energy of the Jubilee Year and the reflection inspired by the 2025 Strenna, “Anchored in hope, pilgrims with young people.” Fr. Attard centers the new strenna on Mary’s words at the wedding at Cana (John 2:5), interpreting them as a powerful call to active, trusting, and responsive faith. This is not passive obedience, but a dynamic act of love and courage—an encouragement to listen deeply to Christ and respond with true freedom.

This year’s strenna is particularly meaningful as it coincides with the 150th anniversary of the first Salesian missionary expedition and the founding of the Salesian Cooperators Association. Don Bosco’s example—marked by hope-filled action and attentiveness to the signs of the times—remains a guiding light, capable of bearing witness to the “boldness of faith.” Fr. Attard writes: “Genuine faith is not timid but courageous; it is willing to take risks on behalf of the Kingdom. It is the boldness of those who know they can count not on their own strength but on God’s power.”

Strenna 2026 also emphasizes the importance of “spiritual intelligence” in reading the present moment—recognizing God’s action in history, especially in the lives of young people. This deeply Salesian approach challenges the Family to move from a faith of words to a faith of action, rooted in the Gospel and open to the world’s challenges.

Fr. Attard’s presentation is more than the announcement of a theme; it is an invitation to a personal and community journey. He calls for a faith attentive to God’s presence in history, especially among the young, and insists on the essential link between faith, freedom, and service. “This is the culmination of the entire journey: from being rooted in faith to freedom, from freedom to service, all as a natural expression of the gradual growth of the love received.”

As Strenna 2026 is unveiled, the Salesian Family is invited to walk this path together, reading reality with spiritual intelligence, rooted in the Gospel, and moved by generous service. With this strenna, Fr. Attard urges all to celebrate their heritage and embrace the call to be believers who are truly free to serve, especially the young and those most in need.

The official poster for the 2026 Strenna will be presented to the entire Salesian Family in October.

The full text of Fr. Attard’s presentation is available at ANS (bottom of the page) in Italian, English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.