By Jeff Krynen, Principal of Don Bosco Technical Institute, Rosemead California
Greetings, Tech Family!
Student leaders of our Youth Ministry Core Team recently conducted the year’s first Character Assembly, recognizing classmates for positive contributions and displays of good character.
The assembly’s theme, “Anchored in hope, pilgrims with young people,” reflects the new international Strenna (a message of encouragement for the coming year) selected by the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco. It aptly sets the tone for the months ahead.
Salesian schools and ministries worldwide are celebrating that same message of hope. The Strenna aligns with a broader recent message from Pope Francis: “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5). In his official letter to the faithful, he encourages us to be examples of hope during the upcoming Year of Jubilee and to view it as a time to personally encounter Jesus, which is always a reason for hope!
According to the Rector Major’s explanation, the Salesian Strenna of the hope available to us all:
- takes us beyond fear
- reminds us that we can walk life’s path anchored in Christian expectancy
- is based on the certainty that nothing and no one can ever separate us from the love of God
- makes us ‘missionaries of life’ in this world
- produces genuine results.
The Rector Major reminds us that it is our responsibility to continue to encourage and support young people who dream with youthful and authentic hope. Everywhere I look on campus, I see evidence of those dreams and of that hope.
- Students are rolling up their sleeves to get involved in extracurricular clubs and service groups and on athletic teams
- Upperclassmen are leading the way in Tech brotherhood, reaching out to and setting an example for underclassmen
- Freshmen are acclimating to their new school, getting to know their instructors, and making friends
- Across the board, students continue making connections with, and seeking the counsel of their instructors, coaches, and academic counselors
- Our seniors are thinking seriously about their future courses of study and college choices.
It’s a crucial time for us to encourage these young people to pursue their dreams and goals, and to remind them of the eternal hope that is theirs. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope! (Romans 15:13)
Here’s to a hope-filled school year,
Jeff Krynen (BT ’81)
Principal