Inspiring Christian Lives

Pier Giorgio Frassati, 1901-25

July 6th 1925, Turin
A vast crowd gathers at the funeral of a young 24 year old man who died an untimely death from polio. In addition to the well connected friends of his well connected parents there are swarms of anonymous individuals who have come to pay their respects. Amongst them there were workers from Turin's industrial district, the unemployed, and the homeless who bed down in attics and basements and park benches and under the arches that span the Po River. It was only now that the parents of Pier Giorgio really began to know exactly who their son, Pier Giorgio was - a saint in the making.

Pier Giorgio Frassati was born in Turin in April 1901 to a comfortably well off middle class family. Easy-going and carefree, Pier had a cheerful disposition and firm character that won him many friends at school. Yet beneath the happy go lucky exterior was a soul that longed for the fullness of the beatific vision. At university he had quietly gathered a small group of Christian friends who began to think deeply about morality and discuss worthwhile things. He soon began a more intensive spiritual life, even more remarkable in the face of all of the temptations to abandon the faith that often come at university. Despite his studies and entering into sports, he still kept his mind fixed on heaven, was still aware of the true goal of man, of what it meant to be fully human. He realized that 'to bring to others the fruits of contemplation' made a positive demand on people who were in a position to spread the truth. He had a very outward looking spirituality.

To this end, he was active in two societies that united faith and good deeds. This was how he came to know so many of the 'down and outs' of Turin who had attended his funeral. There was never anything showy or big headed about his work towards them - in fact, he often used to slip out of the house at night to help out, so as not to attract attention. He was a tremendous example to all who knew him - he was a strong influence for good among those who were beyond the reach of any other type of teaching. His contributions in terms of time and money to charitable organisations had been huge. All he had helped came to pay him their last respects at his funeral - to the astonishment of his parents who thought they knew him best.