austraLasia - 5754(IV)_Saint Francis de Sales as the inspiration for 2022

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Strenna 2022: 'Do all through love, nothing through constraint!'

Rome, General House, 31 December 2021 -- Given the earlier experiment in 2020, this year too the traditional New Year gift (Strenna) of Don Bosco’s successor was widely shared (LIVE streaming) on two occasions, first traditionally in the FMA General House (26 December 4:30 PM in Italian) and through the SC studio at the Salesian University – UPS (28 December 2:30 PM) through the ANS live streaming (Facebook and YouTube in 4 languages).

The 19 minute Strenna video was part of each presentation, in which the Rector Major brings the Salesian Family to the places of St Francis de Sales and then in a lively form shows how Don Bosco made our Society Patron’s spiritual and apostolic experience a treasure for us.

The dialogue focused on how to revive this Salesian charismatic richness in 2022, to which the Strenna introduces us. Fr Ángel recalled many realities of the Salesian Family around the world, with concrete examples, also recalling the great challenges that are being experienced in countries tried by serious crisis situations. But the prevailing tone was one of hope: “We have never lost the mission of going to find young people where they are and not where we think they should be.”

The official commentary on Strenna 2022: ‘“Do all through love, nothing through constraint” follows the seven pillars of Salesian spirituality or way of life from the first Oratory of St Francis de Sales at Valdocco, started by Don Bosco:

Nothing through constraint. Freedom is God’s gift
God’s presence in the human heart
Life in God: which “brings together educators and youngsters”
A kind and friendly way of dealing with people
Unconditional and unrestrained love
With the need for a spiritual guide
Ultimately doing “All through love”

Our Don Bosco Salesian Family's charismatic roots and spiritual heritage is lived out, but this year gives an opportunity to deepen our awareness of these roots, revive our deep inspirations in touch with Saint Francis de Sales.

The live dialogue with the Rector Major touched on a few main aspects that characterize the figure of St Francis de Sales: Holiness (Devotion) for all Christians, Optimism and Joy in the relationship with God. There were also two EAO members who put a similar question to Fr Ángel. On the first occasion Sr. Runita Borja, FMA (General Councilor for Youth Ministry) highlighted the passionate loving and gentle approach to the young people, without prejudice to different religions or traditions. And on the second occasion Fr Ambrose Pereira (EAO Social communication delegates coordinator, PNG) stressed and questioned the ‘Salesian spirit’ in action amidst the conflict situations facing many youth and families in the most diverse region of the Congregation.

At the end of the day, already a rich set of materials are available online, for our personal reading, study, reflection and prayer: both LIVE streaming, official commentary to the 2022 Strenna, newly composed hymn to St Francis de Sales (ICP province SYM and SF) and many other St Francis de Sales related materials on the Boscolink. Really a unique opportunity how to live with more meaning this 'Salesian Year' of 2022!