Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Handsome, athletic, courageous Pier Giorgio Frassati was born in Turin, Italy on April 6, 1901. He was born into a well-respected, devoutly Catholic family. His mother, Adelaide Ametis, was a painter. His father Alfredo was the founder of the newspaper, “La Stampa". At birth he presented respiratory failure, so he was baptized immediately. As he matured, he developed a deep spiritual life which he never hesitated to share with his friends. The Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin were the two poles of his world of prayer. He was a friend to the poor, seeing in them Christ himself. At the age of 17, he enrolled in the Fraternity of the Rosary of Pollone and in the Community of St Vincent de Paul, dedicating much of his spare time to serving the sick and the needy, caring for orphans, and assisting servicemen returning from World War I. Just before receiving his university degree, Pier Giorgio contracted poliomyelitis, which doctors speculated he caught from the sick that he tended. Neglecting his own health because his grandmother was dying, after six days of terrible suffering, Pier Giorgio died at the age of 24 on July 4, 1925. His heart was for others; devoting his life to do good. We recognize him as someone who ardently loved the poor and the Church! Pope John Paul II beatified Pier Giorgio on May 20, 1990.

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us!

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