A young Italian known for his social activism, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati did not live long, dying at the age of 24, but has since captivated the world.
In particular, his love for adventure and the great outdoors has made him an unofficial patron of all mountain climbers and campers.
Yet, it was not his survival skills that made him a saint, but his love of the poor that displayed his generous heart and continues to inspire others.
Here is a sampling of Aleteia’s most popular articles on Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati.
The Life of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati
Pier Giorgio Frassati, the “terror” with a big heart
No telling of Pier Giorgio’s life would be complete without mention of his mother, Adelaide Ametis. She taught the faith to Pier Giorgio and his sister Luciana entirely on her own, as her husband was an agnostic. Clearly she did something right, as her son grew into such a holy young man.
Pier Giorgio was known for his practical jokes and sense of fun, to the point that he was jokingly called a “terror.” His compassion, however, was legendary, to the point that his many acts of generosity were a source of annoyance to his father
Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati always carried this handwritten Bible passage with him
Frassati carried with him St. Paul’s “Hymn of Charity” from the First Letter to the Corinthians. It kept him focused on what truly counts in life and how no matter what he did in this world, if he did not have love, he would have be “a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.”
Here is the full passage that Frassati transcribed by hand and kept in his pocket. It is a passage that can be recited over and over again, and if we take the time to incorporate it into our lives, there is no limit to the amount of love we can give to the world.
12 Habits of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati that every young adult should copy
I recently had the pleasure of reading Finding Frassati and Following His Path to Holiness, by Christine M. Wohar, a fervent admirer of the Italian saint. Wohar was blessed to get to know Frassati’s family on her own journey to discovering more about the young man Pope John Paul II dubbed, “The Man of the Eight Beatitudes.”
Although the book is an essential read for any youngster stepping out in life (and would actually make a great Confirmation gift!), it’s also a must-read for anybody who wants to witness the joy of living out the Catholic faith in daily life.
Here are a few ideas to set you on your way:
The Legacy of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati
Why St. John Paul II believed Frassati was the “man of our century”
While Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati is often referred to as the “Man of the Beatitudes,” St. John Paul II also named him the “man of our century.”
He spoke these words at the beatification of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati on May 20, 1990:
He is the “interior” man loved by the Father, because he loved much! He is also the man of our century, the modern man, the man who loved so much! Isn’t love the most necessary thing in our 20th century, at its beginning as well as at its end? Isn’t it true that only this remains, without ever losing its validity: the fact that he “loved”?
12 Fascinating facts about Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
This patron saint of young Catholics (among his many other patronages) is the perfect role model for youngsters today. Some families have even chosen him as their patron. If you’d like to know more about Blessed Pier Giorgio, take a look at these interesting facts and qualities about this wonderful saint.
Stunning photos of mountain-climbing saint, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati
These photos of Pier Giorgio Frassati show a strong and attractive young man, who embraced life and lived it to the fullest extent possible. When he wasn’t climbing the major mountain peaks of Italy, Frassati was a member of the Third Order of St. Dominic, Apostleship of Prayer, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and active in Italian politics.
And today we celebrate...