St. Pier Giorgio Frassati: To the Heights

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. Frassati admired his father's dedication and passion but often wished he would put that towards his faith. Alfredo really wanted his son to follow in his footsteps. However, Frassati felt that God was calling him elsewhere. 

Being only a year apart, Pier Giorgio was very close with his sister, Luciana. When Pier Giorgio was away at school, he would often write letters to his family, especially his sister. They had such a strong bond. As time moved on, he had forgotten how much they had grown up. Before he knew it, he was saying goodbye to his sister on her wedding day. His heart soared for her as she entered her vocation. However, a part of him grieved losing her. But he knew they would always be united together in the Eucharist. 

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. He had to learn how to practice obedience to his parents and to God at the same time. 

Frassati would often exchange his first class train tickets in for a cheaper ticket and would give the money he got back to the poor. Some days, he wouldn't take the train at all and would run back home for family meals, after spending hours serving people in the streets. One time, a friend asked why he always bought third-class train tickets, despite coming from a very wealthy family. Frassati replied to saying, “Because there’s no fourth class."

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 mountain 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"). 

Pier Giorgio had a type of contagious joy. Almost everyone who encountered him could not help but grin ear to ear themselves. Frassati believed in showing non-Catholics and lukewarm Catholics alike that a life of faith is full of joy and fun. He often played pool and went on skiing trips with the friends. In fact, if his friends lost a game of pool, they would have to go to Mass with him. At every outing, you would find him talking about his faith. It was a part of who he was. 

In the early summer of 1924, Pier Giorgio felt called to start his own society titled "The Society of Tipi Loschi", which translates to "shady characters". This name humorous reflected the lightheartedness of the group. The group would meet to go own special trips and hikes, all while staying rooted in faith. Frassati and his friends all lived very busy lives as students, workers, or couples. However, this group was created with the intention of praying for one another and  always reminding one another of their greatest purpose in life: living a life for Christ.

In some of Frassati's letters, you will find him speaking about his best friend, Marco Beltramo. They had a very deep spiritual bond and were practical jokers. One minute they would be having deep conversations, and the next they'd be cracking jokes. Spiritual friendships are so important on our faith journeys. 

Frassati grew very fond of one of the members of "The Society of Tipi Loschi". Her name was Laura Hildago. They attended the same school and their paths would often cross. The pair had been close friends for many years. It was such an innocent and pure friendship. On day, Pier Giorgio confessed to his sister that he had developed feelings for girl. However, Frassati's parents would have never approved of a girl like Laura, due to their drastically different social standings. In an attempt to keep his parents happy, he pushed his feelings down.

In a letter to his friend, he experienced the great grief that he experienced in choosing to let go and never reveal his feelings to Laura. He felt that it was best to just remain friends. Frassati wrote, "Thus she will always be for me a good friend who, having known her in the most dangerous years of my life, will have helped me to keep on the right path toward the Goal." After all, this was the purpose behind "The Society of Tipi Loschi". 

Frassati lived a very humble lifestyle, despite his upbringing. He wanted to be detached from worldly goods and focused on striving towards sainthood. Everything in this world is fleeting but God is constant. Pier Giorgio's wealth meant nothing to him. He knew he couldn't bring it with him on his journey "to the heights." It would only weigh him down. In a modern society focused on worldly goods, we can certainly learn from Pier Giorgio's example and strive towards this lifestyle in our day to day lives. 

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.”

When Frassati was just 24 years old, he contracted polio. It was believed that he caught this disease from someone when he was serving the poor and sick in the slums of Italy. His muscles and lungs started to rapidly become paralyzed.

On July 4, 1925, in Turin, Italy, Pier Giorgio passed away. A few years after entering the Air Force Academy, Marco, Pier Giorgio's best friend, attended his funeral in full uniform, proudly marching ahead of the coffin to lead the way. At the funeral, a large crowd filled with industrial workers, the unemployed, the poor, and the homeless all gathered around the church. 

His parents quickly began receiving story after story about their son’s impact on so many people, realizing the extent of his charity. Eventually, this would lead Alfredo Frassati to a powerful reversion. His sister, Luciana, would go on to write a book about her brother's inspiring life.

This young saint has continued to resonate with today's youth all around the world. In the fall of 2025, Frassati was canonized, along with St. Carlo Acutis. Pier Giorgio is the patron saint of young adults and athletes. Frassati's body was even found to be incorript. 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!