Finding Frassati

One of the greatest things about our Catholic faith is the example left to us by the saints. No matter whether you are an intellectual or a busy mom, there’s a saint somewhere in the history of the Catholic Church you can follow and use as an example in your own life. Though the saints have been with us throughout the centuries there’s something special when a modern day Saint comes along.

Such is the case with Blessed Per Giorgio Frassati. Recently I had the pleasure of reading a new book on Blessed Pier Giorgio. The most intriguing part of the book was it wasn’t a straight up biography. Biographies have their place for sure, but it’s refreshing to find a book that gives insight into a person’s life in a unique way. Christine Wohar accomplishes thus in her book Finding Frassati: and Following His Path to Holiness.

What makes this book different and peaked my interest? The book contains forty chapters that offer a few pages of insight into the life of Blessed Pier Giorgio. Each of the chapters open with a few words from the letters of Frassati himself relative to the topic of the chapter. Christine provides valuable insight into the life of Pier Giorgio and how we can apply his thought and virtues to our own lives. It doesn’t matter what your station in life or your age, you will find rich guidance in the pages of this book. Each chapter concludes with an action item to work on that helps you on your faith journey as well as a closing prayer.

I would recommend using this book as an opportunity to go on a mini retreat with Blessed Pier Giorgio. Read a chapter per day and dive deep into the virtuous life of Blessed Pier Giorgio. Frassati passed away at the age of 24. As a sign of how he lived his life Blessed Pier Giorgio contracted poliomyelitis from the poor and sick he frequently helped ultimately leading to his death in 1925 after a brief illness.

Perhaps the most intriguing thing about Frassati is the amount of material available to us on him. We have his letters as well as friends and family members who personally knew Blessed Pier Giorgio. That connection is what drew me to Blessed Pier Giorgio through this book. He is a modern man who enjoyed hiking, pool, and hanging out with his friends all the while wearing his faith on his sleeve. If you are looking for someone to emulate you will certainly connect with Blessed Pier Giorgio.

Let’s end this review with a prayer for the Cause of Canonization for Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
O merciful God,
Who through the perils of the world
deigned to preserve by Your grace
Your servant Pier Giorgio Frassati
pure of heart and ardent of charity,
listen, we ask You, to our prayers and,
if it is in Your designs that he be glorified by the Church,
show us Your will,
granting us the graces we ask of You,
through his intercession,
by the merits of Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen.”
IMPRIMATUR, 1932 +Maurilio Cardinal Fossati, Archbishop of Turin

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