Explanation of the Alternative 2021-Strenna poster by Fano

Explanation of the Alternative 2021-Strenna poster by Fano

The famous Spanish visual artist Patxi Velasco – aka "Fano" - who designed the Rector Major's 2018 Strenna poster, has for years been connected to the Salesian Family.

On hearing that the 2021 Strenna was

"Moved by hope: 'See, I am making all things new'" (Rev 21,5),

he spontaneously developed his own version of the Strenna poster with a "catechetical" design, an illustration intended especially for children, and he offered it to the Rector Major for free.

The poster, which is typical of Fano's style, now known internationally, re-elaborates the central message of the Strenna in a metaphorical representation.

In the middle of the scene there is a red car which is being reconditioned. It is surrounded by a multitude of characters, and set in a landscape is not accidental.

The artist himself explains every detail:

-       The road in the background is full of climbs and curves, sometimes it is bumpy. Obstructions,

bumps and barriers have dented the car. "We need repairs in order to be able to set out again to meet others and to encounter God," explains the artist.

-       In the background there is also the outline of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians: "It is our

workshop. Her home and ours."

-       The nun, the child… the various characters affirm the fact that “we can all assist and lend a

helping hand.”

-       The anchor in the centre means that "our hope comes from Above."

-       And on it hangs "our only engine, the Love of God."

-       Don Bosco is there, smiling together with a young man: “Don Bosco is always with us, with his

courage and his strength.”

-       The rising sun, on the right side of the stylized planet with the oceans, indicates that “with each

new day we are ready to start again.”

-       The signboards "school, work, oratory, family, parish" indicate our different occupations.

-       The headlights, to be replaced by a book with a cross, “are the words of the Bible.”

-       The whole set of works - "lifting, stripping, replacing, repairing, renewing" - represents the

commitment that everyone must make in life.

-       Inside the car, smiling and encouraging, is Jesus: "our co-driver. With Him, we will not lose our

way.”

-       Wheel and body repairs stand for the healing of wounds encountered in one's existence.

-       And “to see better, the young lady and elderly gentleman kneel together to pray.”

-        Behind the car, unmistakable, is Mary Help of Christians: "She protects us and acts as a

bumper."

-       The gas pump behind her reveals "our fuel: the Spirit of God, the Eucharist, Prayer."

This catechetical poster prepared by Fano is already available in Spanish, Italian, English, French, Portuguese and Polish.