I am ready to rid myself of everything, even to die, but I want His love. Without Him, I feel only a terrifying emptiness, nothing, an unappeasable sadness. Nothing worldly attracts me anymore – and I am not yet sufficiently anchored in God. God, help! I believe in You, as You surely know. Tonight, I want to repeat my act of faith. Lord, I believe in Your love. You brought me here with Your great power. You will complete Your gift and bring me close to You. You will give me the gift that I ask of You: Your love and love for the poor, that is, for all people.
(Carlo Carretto /1910–1988/, diary entry from the vigil of the Nativity of the Lord 1954)
