The animation on the Strenna of the Rector Major, Rev. Fr Fabio Attard SDB, and the Feast of St John Bosco was meaningfully celebrated at Mario Hall on the evening of 31 January 2026. Members of the Salesian Family gathered in large numbers to mark the feast of their Founder and to reflect together on the Strenna 2026.

At the beginning of the animation, Rev. Fr Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial welcomed the gathering and greeted everyone present. Introducing the purpose of the Strenna animation, he noted that the Strenna is not merely a reflection but a call to “study and live what the Rector Major asks of us,” helping the Salesian Family to understand his vision and direction for the year.

Rev. Fr Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim SDB, Vice Provincial, animated the gathering on the Strenna 2026 with the theme “Do Whatever He Tells You: Believers, Free to Serve.” The session invited the Salesian Family to enter deeply into the mind and message of the Rector Major and to renew their commitment to the Salesian charism.

In his animation, Rev. Fr Bivan highlighted the words of the Rector Major who spoke on the central role of Mary in the life of faith and in the Salesian tradition. Reflecting on the Gospel scene of the wedding feast at Cana, he recalled how Mary did not stop at noticing the need but confidently directed the servants to Jesus with the words, “Do whatever He tells you.” Drawing from Don Bosco’s deep Marian devotion, he reminded the gathering of the Founder’s conviction: “Mary did it all.” He emphasized that every mission entrusted to Don Bosco was accompanied by the powerful help of Mary Help of Christians.

The Vice Provincial encouraged the Salesian Family to live the Strenna concretely by placing their lives under the guidance of Mary, trusting in her presence and intercession. He spoke of surrendering daily life to Mary, walking with her as a mother always at our side, and discovering the miracles that unfold when believers remain free and ready to serve. The animation called everyone to cultivate a strong devotion to Mary and to live her spirit in day-to-day life through faith, availability, and service.

The evening also served as a moment for priests, religious, past pupils, co-operators, and friends of Don Bosco to come together and honour him. A short prayer service was organised in honour of St John Bosco.