This fictitious letter is inspired by the life of Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian known for his deep faith, love of nature and dedication to those in need. Despite his short life, he stood out for his commitment to social justice and his active participation in charitable works, helping the poor, sick and marginalized. He was a passionate mountaineer, a student of engineering and a member of Catholic organizations, including the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He died at the age of 24 of polio, probably contracted during his work with the poor. Her example of faith, sacrifice and love for those most in need remains an inspiration to members of the Vincentian Family today. The convocation in Rome in 2024 is an opportunity to renew this commitment in a context of synodality and fraternity.

Can you imagine what Pier Giorgio Frassati would say to us if he were to write a letter to the members of the Vincentian Family today? This is a literary exercise, but perhaps it could be something like this:

Dear Young Members of the Vincentian Family,

What a joy it is to write to you all, especially in these exciting and challenging times! I imagine that as you read these words, each of you is immersed in your daily routine, between studies, work, family, and friendships. Some of you may already be committed to your communities, serving the poor, and passionately living out the Vincentian charism. To all of you, I want to say something very important: we are called to something great!

As you know, from November 14 to 17, 2024, the Vincentian Family will gather in Rome for the Second Convocation, a meeting that seeks to bring together all those who, like you and me, feel the fire of charity and the desire to change the world through faith and service. This is not just another event; it is a unique opportunity to strengthen our commitment, learn from one another, and, above all, to reaffirm that our vocation is to be light in the world, a light that cannot be hidden or extinguished.

The Christian life is an exciting adventure, and service to those in need is the path that Christ invites us to walk. I am filled with enthusiasm when I think about the strength and creativity of young Vincentians, who, like I was in my time, hold the future of our great family in their hands. I fondly remember my time in the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, where I learned that to serve the poor is to serve Christ Himself. It is not just about giving something material; it is about giving a bit of ourselves—our time, our hearts.

In one of my writings, I mentioned: “Charity is not enough; it is not enough to help the poor and needy: we must help them with love.” This love is not just a fleeting feeling; it is a deep commitment to Christ, reflected in every action, in every smile, in every moment we dedicate to others. Through service, we discover that there is no greater joy than seeing Christ in the face of our neighbor, especially in those who suffer the most.

Young people, especially lay people, play a crucial role in the renewal and growth of our Vincentian Family. At this historical moment, we need your energy, creativity, and courage. “To live without faith, without a heritage to defend, without constantly fighting for the truth, is not living, but is merely existing.” In other words, you, young people, are not called to merely exist, but to live fully, embracing the mission that God has entrusted to you: to be bearers of charity and hope in a world that often seems to have forgotten essential values.

In Rome, during the Convocation, you will have the opportunity to meet other young people like you, from all over the world, united by the same charism and the same desire to serve. This gathering is not just an opportunity to share experiences but also to feel part of something bigger than our own lives. The Church and the Vincentian Family trust in you. The future of our mission depends largely on your commitment and enthusiasm.

I cannot help but recall my own experience. I was called to live my faith in everyday life: in university, in the mountains that I loved so much, and, of course, in the streets of Turin, where I found Christ among the poorest. Many know me for my adventures in the Alps, but my greatest adventure was undoubtedly following Jesus among the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. “The poor and the sick are the face of Christ; visiting them, we can touch the body of Christ.”

Today, dear young people, the world needs men and women who, like Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac, kneel before human suffering and not only offer help but also comfort, hope, and dignity. Remember that we are not called to be heroes in the traditional sense, but saints in the most authentic sense: people who, from their place in the world, transform reality with the love of God.

In my time, I strived to spread the Good News everywhere, seizing every opportunity to share my faith. Although the technologies of my time were limited compared to today’s, I used the available means to evangelize: letters, meetings, conversations, and any moment that presented itself. Today, you have an even greater privilege and responsibility: information technologies, social networks, and new forms of communication allow you to carry the message of Christ further than ever before.

Do not be afraid to use these tools to share the faith, to defend human dignity, and to mobilize others in service. The digital world can be a place where charity flourishes if we use it with creativity and boldness. As Saint John Paul II, who admired me so much, once said: “Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.” Technologies are an extension of those wings, and you, young Vincentians, are called to soar high and bring Christ’s message to all corners.

That’s why I want to invite you to this Second Convocation of the Vincentian Family in Rome. It will be a gathering where we will experience synodality and fraternity, where we will learn from each other and renew our commitment to serve the poorest. Do not come just out of curiosity; come with the desire to be transformed and to transform others. Come to share your dreams and hopes, but also your challenges and doubts, because we are all on this journey together.

Imagine what can happen when thousands of young hearts unite in the same spirit, with one purpose: to serve Christ in the poor. “We must rise and never sit down to wait; we have to take flight so we do not succumb.” This meeting will be that boost we need to take flight, to renew our vocation, and to bravely carry the Vincentian charism to all the places where there is need.

Holiness is not just for a few; it is a universal call. And in the context of our Vincentian vocation, this holiness is lived in everyday life, in the simple things, in humble service. Lay Vincentians have a privileged place in the Church’s mission because they are in the midst of the world. You are the Church in the university, at work, in neighborhoods, on social media, and everywhere you are.

Do not be discouraged if you sometimes feel that what you do is small or insufficient. No service is too small that it doesn’t have immense value when done with love. Every gesture, every word, every action counts, and together we can make a real difference.

As I say goodbye, I want to leave you with one last thought: “Life is beautiful if you live it with an ideal, and the greatest ideal is to live for the glory of God.” The glory of God is manifested when we live our faith authentically and when we serve others without reserve. We are not alone on this path. We are part of a great family that has given and continues to give saints, extraordinary men and women who, in their simplicity, transformed the world. You are the next generation of that family. You have the responsibility but, above all, the privilege of being part of this story.

I encourage you to actively participate in the Convocation in Rome, to let yourselves be surprised by what God wants to do in your lives, and to return to your communities with renewed missionary zeal. Remember that each of you is a key part of this great work of love that is the Vincentian Family. Trust in God, remain steadfast in prayer, and move forward with joy and courage.

See you in Rome!

With all my affection and prayer,

Pier Giorgio Frassati

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