Finding Frassati

I am often asked how I came to know Blessed Pier Giorgio and started working to promote his spirituality.  What I find more interesting is hearing how other people first encountered him.  So, we recently asked on social media if people would share how they found Frassati.  The answers were numerous and all across the board and teach a valuable lesson. 

Some people learned about him at World Youth Days in other countries, some at National Youth Days here in the U.S.

Some saw programming on EWTN or a video on YouTube or heard an audio CD or a podcast. 

Some saw a flyer or a prayer card or a pamphlet in a church.

"My dad prayed to him throughout his 24 month dying, offering an opportunity for a miracle for the Blessed. We definitely believe we received a favor and I also believe in my heart we received a miracle. I didn’t know Pier Giorgio before then and have not stopped talking about him since! -Tom

Some read an article in the Knights of Columbus magazine or a story in a social media feed or a book about his life.

Some were influenced by teachers like the Dominican nuns, youth ministers and various priests.

Some attended a young adult group named for him or a talk sponsored at a local church.

Some learned from neighbors, relatives and friends.

"My neighbor told me one day, “Have I got a saint for you!”  I’m Italian and a hiker.  It was love at first sight." -Marie

A lucky few found him by visiting the Shroud of Turin. 

As I would expect, very few learned about him at Mass on a Sunday morning.  (Although his feast day is July 4, he isn't yet canonized and doesn't appear on the liturgical calendar.)

My takeaway from this unofficial survey is how important we are to each other.  As scripture says, "Iron sharpens iron; one person sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17)  Most of our growth in holiness happens outside of that one hour on the weekend we spend in church.  We are all companions on the journey to the top and can have a tremendous influence on each other along the way. 

At least one person you know would benefit from an encounter with Blessed Frassati.  He is a stabilizing and relatable force for good in troubled times.  Make the introduction and let him do the rest.

Verso l'alto!  ///cmw