Faith and charity propelled Blessed Frassati as per St. John Paul II's perspective, serving as his primary motivations
Pier Giorgio Frassati: A Saint Inspiring a New Generation
In 1977, Pope St. John Paul II visited an exhibition dedicated to Pier Giorgio Frassati and coined the phrase "Here is the man of the eight beatitudes!" This phrase encapsulated the virtues that defined Frassati's short but luminous life.
Ten years later, on May 20, 1990, St. John Paul II beatified Frassati, praising his unwavering love for others and his commitment to justice. His homily for Frassati's beatification emphasized that Frassati's virtue invites reflection and impels imitation.
St. John Paul II described Frassati as a "man of profound faith, nourished by the evangelical message, very solid in his consistent character." He stated that Frassati's faith was fused with charity, and without works, faith is dead. Frassati's life, according to the Pope, can be summed up as entirely immersed in the mystery of God and totally dedicated to the constant service of his neighbour.
The secret of Frassati's apostolic zeal and holiness, as per St. John Paul II, lies in his ascetical and spiritual journey. This journey included prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Scripture study, and acceptance of life's difficulties. His daily love of silence and life's "ordinariness" played a significant role in his spiritual vitality and eventual canonization.
Frassati's passion for the mountains did not contribute to his path to sainthood; instead, it was his love for others and acts of charity that set him apart. His love for the poor and needy was evident, and he was "passionate in serving his brothers and consumed in an ardour of charity that led him to approach the poor and the sick."
Pope St. John Paul II, known for his love of sports, frequently slipped away from the Vatican for skiing trips during his papacy. The phrase "Verso l'alto," or "Toward the top," became associated with Frassati after he wrote it on a photograph taken during a mountain climb, less than a month before his death at 24.
Pope Leo XIV will canonize Frassati in a long-anticipated ceremony on Sept. 7, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, St. John Paul II. This ceremony marks the culmination of a journey that began with St. John Paul II's initial praise in 1977 and Frassati's beatification in 1990.
St. John Paul II's homily for Frassati's beatification remains a profound testament to the virtues that defined Frassati's life. His message about Frassati is that holiness is possible for everyone, and that only the revolution of charity can enkindle the hope of a better future in the hearts of people. Frassati's life serves as an inspiration for all, demonstrating that one can lead a life of faith, charity, and service, regardless of age or circumstances.
