Strenna in the Italian dictionary is defined as a "present" or "gift." It is more commonly used to mean a "motto" or "souvenir." Since Don Bosco's time, in Salesian tradition, it has been the custom for the Rector Major to give a strenna to the whole Salesian Family as a focusing or rallying cry of apostolic work for the young.
The strenna above reflects the Salesian aspect of the triennial apostolic thrust of the entire Church. In anticipation of the year 2000, Pope John Paul II wrote an apostolic letter to the entire Church entitled Tertio Millennio Adveniente which come from the opening words of the Latin text which, in translation, is: 'As the third millennium of the new era draws near...'
Pope John Paul has proclaimed then year 2000 as a Jubilee Year. This is to be a year of special grace and favor. The idea of jubilee has its roots in ancient biblical tradition. People returned to their ancestral lands, slaves were freed and celebrations of the Lord's favor were celebrated throughout the land.
We celebrate jubilees at significant anniversaries such as the 25th or 50th. In the United States we are celebrating the Centennial of the Salesians' arrival. And so the Holy Father has this significant milestone of human history, 2000 A.D., as "a year of favor from the Lord." In the words of the Pope's letter: "The Jubilee of the Year 2000 is meant to be a great prayer of praise and thanksgiving, especially for the gift of the Incarnation of the Son of God and of the Redemption which he accomplished. ...[Christians] will likewise express their gratitude for the gift of the Church....Their thanksgiving will embrace the fruits of holiness which have matured in the life of...those...who...have fully welcomed the gift of Redemption. ...The joy of every Jubilee is above all a joy based upon the forgiveness of sins, the joy of conversion."
It is for these reasons that this year is dedicated to Jesus Christ. 1998 is dedicated to the Holy Spirit. 1999 is dedicated to God the Father.
Thus Fr. Vecchi's strenna for 1997 reflects the dedication of the year to the Lord Jesus Christ. With the uniquely Salesian perspective we are challenged to reveal Jesus to the young as the Good Shepherd, the Friend of the Young and as the New Man. It is no small undertaking to make Jesus better known to the young. The first challenge is for ourselves to know Jesus, not only better, but intimately. In this way we can marshal our forces and energies to reveal to youth what their hearts are searching for. [SBW]
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