During the 2025 Jubilee in Rome, specifically at the Jubilee for Young People taking place July 28-August 3, the pope will canonize Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, officially declaring him a saint of the Catholic Church.
Bl. Frassati lived in Italy from 1901-1925, a time much closer to ours compared to many saints who lived centuries ago. He has become a popular figure among young adult Catholics for his deep faith and zest for life.
Here are five remarkable facts about this soon-to-be saint:
1. Bl. Frassati was exceedingly generous to the poor.
As a child, Bl. Frassati once answered the door to find a begging mother and her shoeless son. Moved by their suffering, he immediately handed the boy his own shoes. As an adult, he frequently gave his bus fare to those in need and walked home instead.
2. He obtained permission to receive daily Communion.
During Bl. Frassati’s time, few people received the Eucharist daily, even if they went to Mass every day. Knowing that the Eucharist was the key to spiritual growth, he said, “When you are totally consumed by the Eucharistic fire, then you will be able more consciously to thank God, who has called you to become part of His family.”
3. He loved the outdoors.
One of Bl. Frassati’s favorite activities was mountain climbing. He coined the motto Verso l’alto (“To the heights”) to convey the thrill of — and perseverance needed for — climbing mountains and progressing in the spiritual life.
4. He appreciated the arts.
Bl. Frassati was also a cultured man. He made frequent trips to the opera and art museums, reveling in the glory of God through their beautiful masterpieces.
5. He died from polio at age 24.
His doctors and friends suspected that Bl. Frassati caught the disease from his frequent visits to poor people living in slums. Although the disease left him partially paralyzed, his generosity continued to shine as he asked that his injections be given to another sick man.
As our name suggests, Verso Ministries has a special connection to Bl. Frassati, our patron saint. We’ll be attending his canonization during the Jubilee of Young People in Rome from July 26 to August 4, 2025, and we invite you to come along!
Pilgrimage for the Canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us!
