Against this meaningful backdrop, participants reflected on the Strenna 2026, “Do whatever he tells you – Believers, free to serve,” proposed by the Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard. The simple yet well-structured programme enabled the Salesian Family to pray, reflect and plan together, highlighting that the Strenna is a shared spiritual roadmap for all groups of the Salesian Family, not only for Salesians.

The reflection centred on the Wedding at Cana, presenting Mary’s words as a call to attentive listening that fosters discerning faith. It highlighted that true freedom arises from faith in Christ and is expressed through concrete service, making believers genuinely “free to serve” through trust in God’s call.

The servants at Cana were offered as a model for the Salesian Family today: they recognise the crisis (“they have no wine”), listen attentively, trust Jesus’ unexpected request and act with generous faith. In the Bengal context, this lack of “wine” was interpreted as the many forms of deprivation faced by young people today, including the absence of opportunities, direction and hope.

The day then unfolded through four movements of discernment: recognise, interpret, choose and act. Participants first examined the realities of young people in South Bengal, acknowledging their creativity, digital skills and social awareness, alongside their vulnerabilities to isolation, addiction and confusion. Empathetic listening was identified as the first act of service.

Participants then reflected on what God is saying through these realities, emphasising the need for prayer, silence and communal discernment to hear God’s voice amid social noise. The third movement focused on freedom and choice, inviting individuals and groups to move beyond fear-driven or self-centred approaches and to make Gospel-based decisions that foster authentic service.

The final stage emphasised action. The Strenna challenged the Salesian Family to move beyond event-based activities towards sustained accompaniment of young people, especially those most at risk, trusting in divine Providence and embracing apostolic courage.

Group discussions translated reflection into concrete commitments. Individuals pledged to be more present, approachable and patient, choosing accompaniment over control. Communities proposed practical initiatives such as leadership camps, counselling and career guidance centres, skills training hubs, platforms for youth expression and stronger engagement with families. These proposals reflected a synodal approach, walking with young people and sharing responsibility with them.

The celebration concluded with the Eucharist and a fraternal meal, leaving participants renewed and committed to living the Strenna in their local contexts. United as one Salesian Family, they returned home convinced that together they are truly “believers, free to serve,” ready to help restore hope and joy in the lives of the young.