My Friend: Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati
Meet Pier Giorgio Frassati-a young Catholic (soon to be saint) who is a model of joy, faith, bravery, and adventure, even a century later.
I have lots of friends..does it count that we can’t talk? Or that they lived long ago? Or that most don’t even exist? These are some of my people, who I feel are kindred spirits always in my corner. Among these friends, is one who I hold particularly dear to me, his name is Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. I consider him one of my best friends, and I feel that perhaps it is reciprocated. I never did meet him face to face, but he shaped the way I view life.
Who Was Pier Giorgio Frassati?
He lived one-hundred years ago in Turin Italy, born into a wealthy family, surrounded by elegance, wealth, and grand squares, yet these were never the desires of his heart. He dreamed of the mountains. He longed for the cool, pure air he breathed deep into his soul. This is where he felt closest to God. I have to say, until i met Pier Giorgio, I never thought I could admit that in creation I felt closest to heaven. When surrounded by dancing, green leaves, the sound of overjoyed birds, the clear blue sky seems to stretch so far, and if you pay attention, you’ll notice, heaven no longer feels so far away.
Known for his contagious joy, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati is also known as "Man of the Beatitudes". He had a heart of service that touched many. One of many examples of this was at the age of only four years old. He was distressed by seeing a young boy and his mother who came to the Frassati home to ask for help with basic needs. Pier Giorgio answered the door and took off his own shoes and socks to give to the barefoot boy treading through frigid weather.
Finding Joy and Faith Together
Until I met Pier Giorgio I struggled to find the line where joy and vigor for life met faith. As a young Catholic man, Pier Giorgio always struck the balance of family, friends, parties, to serving the poor, spending his time in adoration or solitude.
One of his mottos was: "Vivere non vivacchiare!"-Which translates to "We should never just get by; we should live!"
Come Along on the Adventure
As I strive to be more like my friend, I think about how he came about to be the way he was. As you get to know him, you notice he found Jesus in everyone he met. He lived life to the fullest, and always remembered where that life came from. He had a heart of love, that spilled over and is felt by many (including me which is pretty impressive considering he’s been dead for a century, now that’s pretty sick). I hope you become friends with Pier Giorgio too as you get to know him. Come along for the adventure as we grow to be more like our friend, soon to be St. Frassati!
If Pier Giorgio inspires you too, share this with a friend!
