St. Pier Giorgio Frassati Icon by Kathleen Crombie 9"x12"

Pier Giorgio Frassati, born on April 6, 1901, in Turin, Italy, was a remarkable young Catholic whose brief life left a unique mark on those around him. him. The son of a prominent newspaper owner and politician, Frassati developed a deep faith and compassion for the poor that often contradicted his family's secular outlook. He balanced his studies in mining engineering with an active spiritual life, daily Mass attendance, and extensive charitable work through the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Frassati was known for his joyful demeanor, love of outdoor activities, and ability to inspire faith in his peers. His political activism against the rising Fascist movement in Italy and his commitment to Catholic social teaching made him a voice for justice in his time. Tragically, Frassati contracted polio, likely from his work with the sick and poor, and died on July 4, 1925, at the age of 24. His funeral revealed the extent of his hidden works of charity as thousands of Turin's poor lined the streets to mourn him. In 1981, Frassati’s body was exhumed and found to be completely incorrupt. Beatified in 1990 by Pope John Paul II, who called him the “Man of the Eight Beatitudes” and patron of World Youth Day, Frassati's life continues to inspire many, especially young Catholics, as a model of joyful faith and radical charity lived out in everyday circumstances.

At the heart of Frassati’s spirituality was a deep love for the Eucharist and a commitment to daily prayer.  Frassati developed a deep spiritual life that he was never embarrassed to share with his friends. He regularly attended Mass and spent hours in Eucharistic adoration, finding strength and inspiration in Christ’s presence. He encouraged others to adopt the same devotion to the Eucharist for themselves, saying, “I urge you with all the strength of my soul to approach the Eucharistic Table as often as possible. Feed on this Bread of the Angels from which you will draw the strength to fight inner struggles.”