St. Pier Giorgio Frassati: To the Heights
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Frassati's Early Life
Pier Giorgio Frassati was born on April 6, 1901, in Turin, Italy to Alfredo Frassati and Adelaide Ametis. A little over a year later, his sister Luciana was born. Pier Giorgio grew up in a wealthy household. His father, Alfredo, was a very successful journalist and was heavily involved in politics. Alfredo wanted his son to follow in his footsteps. However, Frassati felt that God was calling him elsewhere.
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Man of the Beatitudes
When Frassati graduated, his father gave him a large sum of money. Instead of using it to purchase nice goods for himself, he gave it all away to the poor and needy in the streets of Italy. He constantly put the needs of others above his own. Frassati's father did not approve of this but it never stopped him. He just found new ways to distribute goods to the poor.
Verso l'Alto
When Frassati wasn't aiding the sick and poor in the streets, you could always find him hiking or tending a garden. He had an immense love for the outdoors. With each step he climbed upwards, he felt like the mountains peaks were bringing him closer to heaven. He constantly reminded himself that his goal in this world is to ascend "to the heights" ("verso l'alto").
A Joyful Man
Pier Giorgio had a type of contagious joy. Almost everyone who encountered him could not help but grin ear to ear themselves. Frassati felt that it was important to show those were not strong Catholics or Catholics at all that Catholics can have fun too. He often played pool and went on skiing trips with the friends. And at every outing, you would find him talking about his faith. It was a part of who he was.
Radical Simplicity
Frassati lived a very humble lifestyle, despite his upbringing. He wanted to be detached from worldly goods and focused on striving towards sainthood. We can learn from his example and strive towards this lifestyle in our day to day lives.
"Foolish is he who follows the pleasures of this world, because these are always fleeting and bring much pain. The only true pleasure is that which comes to us through faith."
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Love for the Eucharist
Pier Giorgio made an effort to go to daily Mass as often as possible. He had a really strong devotion to the Eucharist and found great comfort in the Bread of Life. Frassati loved to travel but never let that stop him from finding a way to make it to daily Mass. In fact, he would often plan his trips around Mass. Pier Giorgio said, “I urge you with all the strength of my soul to approach the Eucharist Table as often as possible. Feed on this Bread of the Angels from which you will draw the strength to fight inner struggles.”
A Modern Saint
This young saint has continued to resonate with today's youth all around the world. A little over a year ago, Frassati was canonized, along with St. Carlo Acutis. Pier Giorgio is the patron saint of young adults and athletes. May we take inspiration from Frassati. Let us turn to the Eucharist, take care of our neighbors, and embark on adventures in this beautiful world.
St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us!
The faith given to me in baptism suggests to me surely: by yourself you will do nothing, but if you have God as the center of all your action, then you will reach the goal."
