STRENNA 2026: A Journey of Faith, Freedom, and Service

The Salesian Family lived a special day rich in spiritual and educational meaning during the STRENNA 2026 gathering held at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Fidar. This encounter became a profound moment of reflection, renewal, and shared commitment inspired by the spirit of Don Bosco’s charism.

The blessed day began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, expressing the unity of the Salesian Family and its deep roots in faith in Christ. The Holy Mass was presided over by Fr. Simon Zakarian, Regional Superior for the Middle East, and concelebrated by Fr. Dani Kirio, Fr. Mario Morro, and Fr. Vittorio. This spiritual celebration formed the foundation upon which the entire day was built, reminding us that every educational and pastoral mission begins first with an encounter with Christ and attentive listening to His Word.

Following the Mass, a coffee break offered participants a valuable opportunity for fraternal encounters and friendly exchanges in an atmosphere of joy and closeness, reflecting the family spirit that characterizes the Salesian charism.

The main highlight of the day then unfolded with the presentation and explanation of STRENNA 2026, led by Fr. Simon Zakarian. He offered a deep reflection on this year’s pastoral guideline, centered on the theme:
“Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5),
with the subtitle: “Believers, Free for Service.”

Through meditation on the Gospel scene of the Wedding at Cana, the Regional Superior emphasized that Mary’s words are not a call to blind obedience, but rather an invitation to free and responsible listening to Christ’s Word—listening that gives birth to a living faith. This faith, in turn, frees the person from self-centeredness and leads toward generous service and active love, especially toward young people who are “lacking the wine of hope.”

This encounter became a clear call for all members of the Salesian Family—both consecrated and lay—to live a creative faith rooted in reality and open to the challenges of our time, in a spirit of partnership and shared responsibility.

The day witnessed wide and diverse participation from various houses and groups of the Salesian Family, including:

• The Good Shepherd Confraternity

• Teachers of Angels of Peace School

• Oratory of Hsoun

• Salesian Cooperators of Hsoun

• Salesian Cooperators of Kfaya

• Administration and teachers of Don Bosco Technique Fidar

• Youth of Kfaya and Hsoun

• Sisters of Cordoba and Kfaryassine

• Friars of Fidar

The day concluded in an atmosphere of joy and celebration, as the community shared moments of laughter, music, and dance—an authentic expression of true Salesian joy, that deep joy born from knowing we are part of God’s plan and walking together in the footsteps of Don Bosco for the good of the young.

STRENNA 2026 was truly a day that united prayer, reflection, encounter, and joy, renewing within us the commitment to truly be: believers and free.