Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati -- Patron of Catholic University Students
Pier Giorgio Frassati was a handsome, athletic, courageous and devout Catholic who lived well and died young. Born into a prominent Italian family, he was an avid mountain climber and skier and was working toward a degree in mining engineering at the time of his death. Pier Giorgio was politically active during very turbulent and anti-clerical times in Italy – publicly opposing Fascism and participating in many Catholic demonstrations. He became a member of the Third Order of Dominicans and was very committed to daily Mass, the rosary and Eucharistic adoration. He was an active member of the conference of St. Vincent de Paul and faithfully served the poor and unfortunate in Turin.
He contracted polio from one of the poor whom he visited and died shortly afterward at the age of 24. Much to his family’s astonishment, the news of his death brought thousands of mourners to line the streets and pay their respects to the “Man of the Beatitudes” – the name later given him by Pope John Paul II.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati demonstrated that holiness is for everyone and that charity is the foundation of Christian life. He was beatified in May 1990.
His only sister Luciana will turn 105 on August 18, 2007. She has written extensively about his life and currently lives in Rome. She has written extensively about his life. Two of her books are available in the U.S.: My Brother Pier Giorgio: His Last Days and A Man of the Beatitudes: Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Learn more about our patron Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
