July 4
Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925)
confessor of faith
Practical advice
When collecting the heart in silence, look for the most forgotten and make them feel that they matter without seeking applause or recognition.
Biography
Of this young lay Dominican, born in Turin, Italy and who died at such a young age, John Paul II was able to say: Pedro-Jorge Frassati shows us firsthand what it truly means, for a young layman, to give a concrete response to “Come and Follow Me.” It is enough to take a look at his life, dedicated to culture, to sport (a tremendous mountaineer!), to social issues, to the true values of life, at the same time as a deeply believing man, nourished by the evangelical message, strong in his character, coherent, passionate about serving his brothers, and consumed by an ardor of charity, which led him to approach, in an order of absolute preference, the poor and the sick. He was beatified on May 20, 1990, and his sister Luciana had the joy of attending the ceremony.