I Send You into the World

To my child, with love that will outlive me.

I am writing this as a testament to my thoughts and feelings for you, my child, so that you may return to it throughout your life, especially when I am no longer with you in this world.

As I write these words I want you to know, above all else, that you are loved by God and by your parents, with the realization that God's mercy is always available to a contrite heart ^[1]. Life is a journey filled with joys and trials, and I pray that you will always walk it with courage, faith, and a heart open to charity. Remember that you are never alone; God is with you in every step you take ^[2], guiding you, comforting you, and strengthening you in moments of doubt. Let your family be your foundation, your faith a compass, your hope an anchor, and your love for others in your daily thoughts.

I hope that these thoughts and words will serve as a guiding light of wisdom along your path. They are not rules meant to burden, but a gift I give you from my heart - a guide for you to live with integrity, virtue, and purpose. May they help you grow closer to God, honor your family, serve others, and face the world with courage and true joy. Live boldly, love deeply, and always trust in the goodness of God. My greatest prayer for you is that you flourish in all that is good, and that your life shines as a testament to faith, hope, and love, ending in a good Judgment - the Salvation of your soul.

Spiritual Foundation

Above all else, seek first the Kingdom of God and His justice, and trust that all else that is necessary He will give to you. The spiritual dimension of your being is the most critical part of who you are. In this chaotic world, keep God at the center of your life, nourishing your soul with prayer and devotion, and you will find joy. Remember the purpose of life is to become a saint. Enjoy the innocent pleasures God gives to you - as the gifts they are, but never lose sight that this world is not your final home - He has given it to you for your spiritual benefit - allowing you to increase in merit, which in turn will increase your glory. Whether your path leads you to marriage, religious life, or another vocation, keep the spiritual aspect as the backdrop of your life, relying on God, for He expects your trust and desires your dependence upon Him.

Seek spiritual direction, receive the sacraments frequently, and make time for meditation and retreats. Place your concerns before Christ, His Queen Mother, the Angels and Saints and Holy Souls - with confidence and trust. Quiet moments of meditation are essential for remaining in a state of grace. Remember the words of Saint Padre Pio: Pray, hope, and don't worry. God's grace is abundant, overflowing - ask for it persistently and you will receive.

Parental Impact

Know that love endures all things, especially when personalities clash or misunderstandings arise. If we, your parents, have ever failed you or have given a bad example, accept our apologies and know that we have always loved you and desire what is best for you - what is best is always what God desires, so we pray for His Will to be done. The virtues and even the faults you carry may have, in part, come from us - which we try to amend after realization, but know that our love for you is constant, unconditional and enduring.

Education, Self-Learning

Never feel limited to only what is taught in schools. Much of your life will be spent learning on your own, guided by curiosity and necessity. Good teachers are rare and a great gift, and many of the greatest Saints and thinkers were self-taught. You have the capability to learn and grow - what matters most is your attitude and your drive. Embrace every opportunity to learn, both formally and informally, and let your education be a lifelong pursuit. The accumulation of knowledge is a treasure that will serve you well throughout your life, which also may be beneficial to others. The end should never be just for the sake of knowledge but for the love of truth and the betterment of yourself and those around you. To "know, love and serve" is a guiding principle that will lead you to a fulfilling life. To serve others is to find true joy. With regards to your "neighbor," always remember the commandment to love and serve them as yourself. You cannot serve well without love, you cannot love well without knowledge.

Dependence and Independence

Throughout your life you will always have support available to you. As you grow you will become more independent from us, your parents and family, but remember that your dependence on God will/should never diminish. The more humble you are, the more you will realize how much you need Him. Seek help when you need it, and do not be afraid to rely on those who love you. Remember work is expected on your part, not just relying on the charity of others. Although you will become more independent, always cherish the support and love of your family, for they are your first teachers and your lifelong gift. Keep that bond strong, which can be weakened by anger and pride, looking more to help than to be helped. For those who love give more than they ever expect to receive.

As you mature, your responsibilities will increase. Do not be afraid or overwhelmed by this. God gives the grace you need - ask for it, and ask for much. When faced with choices, do not simply choose what is easy versus what is hard, but what is right. Trust that you are never alone in your struggles.

Maturity, Perspective and Decision-Making

The journey from adolescence to adulthood is long and unique for each person. Maturity is not easily defined, as it involves relationships, mental growth, independence, fulfilling your duties, and learning to prioritize these and other aspects of life. Remember that you are made of body, mind and soul, and must balance the needs of each. As you interact with more people, your influence will grow - be mindful of your words and actions, virtues and vices, for they affect not only you and your soul, but impact those around you. Adulthood brings with it a wider horizon of possibilities - freedom, choices, hope, duty, and responsibility. Remember, you cannot have freedom without duty, accepting it reflects integrity, while rejecting it undermines it. Discipline, integrity, and resolve will be tested as you grow. Your influence on others will increase, and the virtues and vices you cultivate will define the person you become.

You will face many changes in life; from childhood to adulthood, from one vocation to another. Many times you will not know what lies ahead, so celebrate each achievement and trust that God is guiding you. It was once said that "good luck is where preparation meets opportunity". Keep an eye on what may lie ahead and have the foresight to prepare accordingly.

Reflect on your goals and priorities, and remember that prayer and spiritual guidance are essential in every decision. Having a Spiritual Director can be of great help. Be open to conversations with those of like mind, morals and values, particularly those from the same household of faith. These conversations can provide valuable insights and support, and can lead to friendship or a circle of others who share your beliefs - with the potential of a life long bond.

Take time to look back on your life as if from a distance. See the love, virtues, and family bonds that have shaped you. Look past the annoyances and petty conflicts to recognize how greatly you have been loved and are blessed. Treasure your memories, for they will bring you joy in later years and may guide your future decisions. Make those decisions with prudence, embracing the excitement and opportunities that life brings.

As you approach important decisions, you will find your options narrowing - this is natural and not a cause for worry. Whether you are choosing a college, a career, or a spouse, let your choices be prudent and well thought out. Be passionate about what is good, but always temper zeal with moderation.

Discipline

To fulfill your responsibilities, you must be organized and competent. Life will present you with multiple, sometimes competing, goals. Set clear objectives and take practical steps to achieve them. Know what is expected of you, make a plan, and execute it with diligence and perseverance.

Finally, remember that wisdom is putting first things first - a rare and precious virtue. After God, let your family come next, and yourself last. Do not be easily swayed by the opinions of others, but seek to please God above all. Make your plans thoughtfully, seek help when needed, and consider how your choices will shape your life in the years to come.

Relationships

Recognize the different people in your life - God, the Saints, family, friends, teachers, co-workers and others - and give each the effort and attention they deserve. Your family is a gift from God; treat them as such and remember that you are deeply loved, even if it is not always spoken. We, your parents, desire your happiness and what is best for you, not only when life is difficult but in all circumstances. Your actions reflect on your faith, your guardian angel, your family, your country. Keep in touch with your spiritual family, the Church Triumphant and Suffering, and choose your closest friends with care, knowing that God brings people into your life for a reason.

The relationships you form are vital for both your spiritual and temporal well-being. Nurture those that bear good fruit, and always strive to develop charity in all your interactions. The world suffers from a lack of charity - be the one who spends self for God and neighbor. Show gratitude, kindness, and fraternity to all, remembering that in serving others, you serve Christ Himself. Let love guide your actions, and do not be afraid to express your feelings to those whom you love, for this deepens those bonds.

Friendships should be chosen with prudence, since those we associate with shape our character and moral direction ⁽³ ⁴⁵⁾. True friendship is proven by fidelity and perseverance, especially in times of trial, and is marked by a closeness that surpasses the casual acquaintance ⁽⁶ ⁷⁾. Such friends seek not to flatter, but to strengthen one another through honest correction and mutual growth in virtue ⁽⁸ ⁹⁾, while harmful associations must be avoided lest they lead one into sin ⁽¹⁰⁾. Our Lord elevates friendship by revealing it as an expression of sacrificial love, calling His disciples friends and commanding them to love through self-giving ⁽¹¹⁾. He further teaches that friendship requires patience, mercy, and forgiveness, and extends (builds from) those beyond your immediate circle through acts of charity ⁽¹² ¹³⁾. Be alert to those "friends" who are corrupting influences, instead build one another up in holiness through encouragement, prayer, and mutual accountability ⁽¹⁴ ¹⁵ ¹⁶⁾. Be leary of disordered attachments to the world which can place one in opposition to God ⁽¹⁷⁾. Thus, friendship is rooted in charity, ordered toward truth, and does not hinder but rather fosters the salvation each others of soul ⁽¹⁸⁾.

Perseverance

There is a hope that Easter offers to every heart that has known suffering: though the darkness is real, it is not the end for those with faith. There are seasons in life when we find ourselves standing in our own Good Friday - moments when everything feels lost, when the future is uncertain, when God seems distant and the answer to your prayers seems to be silence. In such times, it is easy to believe that the darkness will never lift.

Yet when life feels heavy, when hope seems far away, and when prayers appear to go unanswered, you are not in a place unfamiliar to Christ... He has been there. He has walked the path of sorrow, endured betrayal, and entered into silence. The Cross reveals that God does not remain distant from human suffering; He enters fully into it by His Passion, He suffers with us.

These dark nights, then, are not signs of abandonment. Often, they are the hidden places where God is quietly drawing you closer to Himself - purifying faith and deepening love in ways you cannot (yet) see. The Resurrection stands as the enduring promise that no matter how long or dark the night, the dawn will come. It assures us that God's love is stronger than death, that His mercy surpasses your sins, and that His grace can restore even the most broken hearted (i.e., Job).

In the midst of your deepest trials, there remains a light that cannot be extinguished - the light of God's love, victorious over sin and despair. When you face struggles, remember that you do not walk alone. Christ walks beside you, offering strength, grace, and hope. Do not give up; do not be afraid. Endure your cross and pray for the Grace to bear it. Continue to pray, to hope, and to trust in God's providence. The victory has already been accomplished; you are simply called to hold fast to it with faith and perseverance.

For those with faith, the darkness of Friday will yield to the light of Easter morning.