My dear,
after we spoke on the phone and you asked me to share some personal reflections on the theme "My brother decided my life," I have spent many days thinking. But I have found myself unable to express any thoughts that seem worth saying.
After all the struggles and sorrows I have lived through with life as it is now, I no longer have the strength to offer reflections that might help others. This is still, I believe, a time for silence and for prayer.
Do not be surprised by my silence. My brother remains the greatest good in my life—the precious gift the Lord has given me, the gift that has truly shaped who I am. And now, in this moment, he is the light that guides my path.
I thought I might be able to say more, but it is beyond me. Please forgive me. I know I have not kept my word, but perhaps later I will be able to, and I would be glad to do so.
I want to send you my warmest wishes, and I ask you to pass them along to all the friends who work so faithfully for the magazine Fede e Luce. I am with you as best I can be, and the prayer I most earnestly make to the Lord is that he give you always such enthusiasm and such joy in serving the smallest among us, more and more with each passing day.
Giorgio and my other daughters remember you as dear friends and hold you very close to their hearts.
I think of you with affection. Happy Easter to you all,
Franca, 1980