Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925) has long been admired for his vibrant spirit, devotion to the Eucharist, and tireless service to the poor—qualities now officially recognized by the Church with his canonization.
A Life of Adventure, Prayer, and Service
Born into a well-to-do family in Turin, Italy, Pier Giorgio might easily have embraced a life of ease. Instead, he chose a radical path of generosity. Known affectionately—and mischievously—as “the Terror” by peers at the Royal Polytechnic of Turin, his lighthearted pranks—harmless jokes and good-natured humor—reflected a joyful personality that drew others to him.
Yet beneath the humor lay a deep spiritual seriousness. An avid mountaineer and skier, he spent weekends scaling the Alps while finding strength for daily living in prayer, study, and the Eucharist. His hours before the Blessed Sacrament fueled his abundant acts of mercy—distributing food, visiting the sick, and supporting laborers—earning him the moniker “saint of the streets.”
Canonized on September 7, 2025
On September 7, 2025, during a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV canonized Pier Giorgio Frassati as a saint, alongside Carlo Acutis. The Mass drew tens of thousands of faithful, and Pope Leo encouraged the faithful—especially young people—to follow the examples of these modern-day saints in making their own lives spiritual masterpieces.
Still a Patron for the Young and Adventurous
Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati retains his Feast Day on July 4, the anniversary of his passing—a day now even richer in meaning, as young Catholics worldwide rejoice in having an approachable, relatable, and sporty saint to emulate. He remains a patron for youth groups, students, mountaineers,athletes, and those involved in Dominican or lay movements.
Pope St. John Paul II once called him the “man of the Beatitudes,” and in his beatification homily, he remarked that Saint Pier Giorgio’s life was marked by “that joy which is a triumph of grace.” That joy endures now more than ever, incarnated in the life of a saint admired for being both relatable and holy.
Saint Pier Giorgio The Man of the Beatitudes
When Pope St. John Paul II called Pier Giorgio Frassati the “Man of the Beatitudes,” he captured the essence of a young man who lived the Gospel with joy and conviction. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–10) shaped his daily life and reveal why he is now honored as a saint.
Blessed are the…
• poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Though born into wealth, Pier Giorgio lived simply and gave away much of his allowance to support the poor.
• meek, for they will inherit the land.
His humility and good humor made him approachable to all—from classmates to the poor he served.
• merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Known as the “saint of the streets,” he carried food and medicine to those struggling most.
• clean of heart, for they will see God.
His devotion to daily Mass, prayer, and the Eucharist kept his heart centered on Christ.
• peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
His friendships, humor, and joy built unity and drew others closer to God.
Blessed are they…
• who mourn, for they will be comforted.
He had a deep compassion for the suffering, often visiting the sick and consoling those in need.
• who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Pier Giorgio was passionate about justice, standing with workers and promoting Catholic social teaching.
• who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Even in illness and suffering, Pier Giorgio remained steadfast in faith, embracing the Cross with courage.
For Saint Pier Giorgio, the Beatitudes were not lofty ideals but a daily way of living. His example shows us that holiness can flourish in the ordinary: in study, sport, friendship, prayer, and service to the poor.
By Wayne Gignac
Four County Catholic