In a letter to a friend, Pier Giorgio Frassati wrote  with conviction: “To live without faith, without a treasure to defend, is not living but just 'getting by.'” For him, faith wasn't a set of dogmas or rituals, but the force that gives life and meaning and everything. His letter to that friend invites us to think about what it means to really live, and how faith can transform our lives.

He understood that  university life, with its challenges, uncertainties,  and moments of loneliness,  could feel overwhelming.  But for him, faith was a constant beacon, lighting  his path and giving him  hope and courage  to face each day.  It wasn’t an abstract idea:  it infused everything he did, from studying to helping the needy, from joy to sacrifice.

Faith is the force that  keeps us from “vegetating,”  driving us to commit to a purpose larger than ourselves.  Without it,  life can feel colourless  or meaningless, and  we may end up simply “existing,” going through  the motions without a  deeper reason to sustain us.

how does faith change ordinary life?

Being true to what you believe is essential for you to be authentic and free.  It can be challenging, especially when everything around you seems to  suggest that the easier,  more popular path is to set your convictions aside. But faith tells you that your value doesn't come from being accepted by the crowd.

Faith gives us the perspective to avoid staying on the surface and encourages us to seek deeper meaning in everyday life. It doesn't mean we won't have difficulties, but it gives us hope and a purpose to sustain us. It's the "something more" we're all looking for, that transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Looking at the lives of saints like Pier Giorgio Frassati, Carlo Acutis, Mother Teresa, and St. Josemaría,  we see that their strength came not from grand gestures alone, but from a deep, living faith that infused every decision and action.  That kind of faith means that even failure or very small things can make us happy by bringing us closer to God.

Food for thought:

When do you feel your life turning into meaningless routine, or like you’re just “getting by”? What's different about the way you face challenges when you do it with faith? What would you like faith to help you transform in your daily life?

Recognize faith  as a personal gift from God. Don't be afraid of questions or doubts: He wants to answer those questions. Just keep asking for the gift of faith, and find someone who can help you answer your questions.

PRACTICAL TIPS to strengthen your faith

Take a moment to thank God for the opportunity to believe and trust Him, even amid doubts and difficulties.

PRACTICAL TIPS to strengthen your faith

Seek out testimonies and friends who live their faith with passion. Sharing experiences with others walking in faith can inspire and strengthen your own journey.

PRACTICAL TIPS to strengthen your faith

Dedicate time to personal prayer. Even if it's very short,  daily prayer is where faith becomes life, helping you become aware of God’s real presence in you.

PRACTICAL TIPS to strengthen your faith