Pier Giorgio Frassati, born in Turin, Italy in 1901, is hailed as a saint for the contemporary world, particularly for today’s youth. Despite a tragically brief lifespan of 24 years, his fervent dedication to holy living left an enduring impact. He became an embodiment of virtue, aptly referred to as a “man of the beatitudes” by Pope John Paul II during his beatification in Rome on May 20, 1990. Friends fondly remembered him as an “explosion of joy,” while his sister, Luciana, characterized him as the epitome of Christian youth—pure, exuberant, and devoted to all that embodies beauty and goodness.
Frassati’s life offers a stark, inspiring contrast to a modern world often plagued by cynicism and unease. His existence, brimming with purpose, meaning, and peace, sprang from his unwavering faith in God. From an early age, Frassati prioritized Christ, a choice which provoked misunderstanding and disapproval from his nonreligious parents. Yet, he bore this familial friction patiently, silently, and lovingly, even until his abrupt demise from polio.
His devotion was evident in his daily routine. Frassati was a man of prayer, often found by his agnostic father, asleep on his knees by his bedside, after a heartfelt recitation of the rosary. As Luciana Frassati notes, “He gave his whole self, both in prayer and in action, in service to Christ.” His education at a Jesuit school further cemented his commitment, leading to the rare privilege of daily communion. Nights often passed in Eucharistic adoration. For Frassati, every action started and ended with Christ.
In 1922, at the age of 21, this balance of contemplation and action drew Frassati to the Fraternities of St. Dominic. As a tertiary, he adopted the name “Girolamo” (Jerome), after his idol, Girolamo Savonarola, a renowned Dominican preacher and reformer of the Renaissance period in Florence.
Frassati was a charismatic figure, attracting many with his vibrant personality and good looks. He was also an enthusiast of various sports, enjoying hiking, horse riding, skiing, and mountain climbing. Known for his love for humor, he was never shy of a practical joke.
Frassati’s faith was not confined to theory, but was an integral part of his daily life. He embraced spirited political activism during the Fascist period in World War I Italy, juggled his challenging academic responsibilities despite being a poor student, and silently served the destitute in Turin. His affluent background never affected his modest demeanor, and he was always willing to help those in need, often suspected of contracting polio from those he aided in the slums.
As he lay on his deathbed, his final week marked by rapid physical deterioration, Frassati continued to display remarkable virtue. His concern remained with others’ welfare, his focus outward, never highlighting his own suffering. Even as he lay dying, his last note, written with a paralyzed hand, was a reminder to a friend about the injections needed for a needy man he had been helping.
Frassati’s death on July 4, 1925, brought thousands of people to the Frassati mansion. The throngs of poor and lonely individuals who had been touched by his compassionate actions and inspiring life stood testament to his selfless service. The Frassati family, unaware of their son’s benevolence, were taken aback by the overwhelming public display of affection.
In 1981, Frassati’s body, found incorrupt, was moved from the family tomb in the cemetery of Pollone to the Cathedral of Turin.
Photo credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
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