October 12, 2025 - "Pier Giorgio Frassati"

He was born in 1901 in Turin Italy to a wealthy family.  From an early age he showed deep faith, which was a source of bewilderment to his parents who were agnostic.  He became a Third Order Dominican who believed his vocation was to serve God in the world, especially dedicating his time and resources to serving the poor and social justice.  He studied engineering with the hope of improving working conditions for miners.  When he was seventeen, he joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society and spent a good deal of his time visiting the poor and sick in their homes.  When his fellow students complained about the stench in the slums, he replied, “Don’t forget that even though the house was sordid, you are approaching Christ.”

 

Pier Giorgio’s religious devotion did not inhibit his vibrant personality.  He loved mountain climbing and skiing.  He was known for his practical jokes and lively sense of humor. A strong opponent of fascism, he took part in public demonstrations that landed him in prison. Because he was such a vivacious personality, his family was shocked when he was suddenly struck down by polio and died on July 4, 1925.  His family was further surprised by the crowds of poor people who gathered to pay their respects at his death.  Beatified in 1990, he was canonized thirty-five years later.

 

I want to conclude this column with this prayer for St. Pier Giorgio Frassati:

 

Heavenly Father, give us the courage 
 to strive for the highest goals, 
 to flee every temptation to be mediocre.

Enable us to aspire to greatness, as Pier Giorgio did, 
 and to open our hearts in joy to your call to holiness.

Free us from the fear of failure.
 We want to be, Lord, firmly and forever united to you.

Grant us the graces we ask thee through
 Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati’s intercession,
 by the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen

 

Until next week,

Fr. John