Posted On: 13 February, 2025

The Salesian Province of Chennai (INM) joyfully celebrated the dissemination of the 2025 Strenna, titled “Anchored in Hope, Pilgrims with Young People,” through a series ofregional events, culminating in a grand celebration combined with the Salesian Family Day.

The dissemination began on 6th January at Holy Spirit Church, Pondicherry, followed by vibrant gatherings at Don Bosco Centre, Yellagiri Hills, on 7th January, and Auxilium College, Vellore, on 8th January. The journey reached its pinnacle on 18th January at Don Bosco Egmore, Chennai. Nearly 800 members of the Salesian Family participated in the Strenna Dissemnation of which 300 members alone participated in the Salesian Family Day.

Participants included Salesian priests, brothers, scholastics, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), Sisters of Maria Auxiliarix (SMA), VDBs, CDBs, Salesian Cooperators, ADMA members, past pupils, and young people of the four regions. The theme of the Strenna, centered on hope, resonated deeply throughout the celebrations, inspiring participants to recommit themselves to walking alongside young people in faith and service.

Fr. L. Don Bosco SDB, Provincial of Chennai Province, led the dissemination of the Strenna with profound insights, emphasizing the transformative power of hope in the Salesian mission. Each session featured not only reflections but also engaging activities such as crossword puzzles, artistic projects on the theme of hope, and meaningful discussions, skillfully facilitated by Fr. John Alexander SDB, Vice Provincial.

The grand finale at Don Bosco Egmore was a joyous celebration of unity and the Salesian charism. It offered a unique platform for members of the Salesian Family to reflect on their shared mission and to strengthen their bonds of fraternity. The celebrations in the four regions underscored the shared commitment of the Salesian Family to be anchors of hope in the lives of young people, especially the marginalized.

Fr. A.J. Franklin