Finding Peace with the Help of Blessed Frassati

Years ago, I was involved in a discussion in Rome about why only physical healings are used as the basis for the canonization of a saint.  And while I understand the rationale, I have to say that conversions of the heart and mind seem to happen far more frequently.  Even though they can't be quantified, they do deserve a little recognition.

So, at a time when many people are experiencing heightened anxieties, I thought it might be helpful to share how Blessed Frassati interceded to bring peace of mind in a couple of recent cases:

"I was asking for intercession for my nursing licensing exam and my studies for that exam.  I had a shortened time to study for my exam, and was unsure about if I would succeed. I felt called to pray a novena to blessed Pier Giorgio throughout my weeks of study. I had overwhelming peace the day of my test and throughout it." - Submitted by Elizabeth B.

Anyone who has sat for any sort of licensing exam can probably relate to Elizabeth's anxiety.  I never learned the outcome of her nursing exam but the outcome of Pier Giorgio's exams weren't always stellar.  No doubt he has a soft spot for students and exam takers. 

"I felt confused and lost having been non-renewed from my job.  Lots of soul searching amid myriad of possible opportunities that fit who I am and pay necessary expenses with 3 kids and my situation.  The day after the novena (in honor of Blessed Frassati) I received clarity and peace about the direction to focus my efforts. 

The gnawing lump of anxiety and confusion dissipated as the days through the novena progressed and I see where I am and where I want to be in a definite manner in terms of career and life goals.  Relief from heaven is so sorely needed as a man embraces his purpose on the earth amid a job loss.  I'll continue praying with Giorgio to keep this fresh as time goes along." - Submitted by Seth Q.

Seth's case is another great example of concerns very dear to Pier Giorgio - helping a father find a way to provide for his family and discern his vocation from a career standpoint.  Had they been contemporaries, it isn't hard to imagine the lengths Pier Giorgio would have gone to help Seth find a good job and, more importantly, find clarity in fulfilling his life's purposes. Again, I don't know how things ended up for Seth, but finding peace is a tremendous first step in moving forward.

Peace was a frequent theme in Pier Giorgio's letters to his friends and family.  In fact, less than three months before his death, Pier Giorgio ended a wonderful letter to his best friend Marco by sending him "my best wishes, rather just one, but I believe it to be the only wish that a true friend can make to a dear friend and it is this: the Peace of the Lord be with you always because when you possess peace every day you will be truly rich."

Given the turmoil he experienced at home with his parents, it isn't hard to understand that he valued peace even more than wealth. Over the years, it has been fairly common for me to receive emails like the ones above and reports of seemingly hopeless cases where spiritual conversions have taken place, even within prison walls.  It's always been my belief -based on this anecdotal evidence- that Blessed Pier Giorgio has a true preference for helping to heal troubled hearts and minds and restore broken relationships.

The Church recognizes our great need for peace individually and collectively and includes this intention at every Mass in the Roman Rite following the Lord's prayer.  "Graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress..."  And during the Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite, we pray to "set aside all earthly cares."  Peace is necessary so that we can detach from our worldly concerns and enter fully into the mystery of the Eucharist.

Life is full of anxieties and distressing situations - now more than ever, it seems.  If you are in the habit of praying a novena only for more tangible types of aid such as physical healing or employment situations or for finding a spouse, etc., you may want to consider turning to your favorite saint for interior peace, more joy, healing from grief and any other emotional needs you may have. 

When your prayers are answered, please be sure to let us know.  We love hearing about all the ways, big and small, that Pier Giorgio is interceding.  Canonization miracles are special, but peace of mind is priceless. 

Verso l'alto!  ///cmw

p.s.  In an effort to make the novena in honor of Blessed Frassati even more accessible, we have recently partnered with a wonderful social platform dedicated only to prayer: Hozana.org.  You can pick your own dates for praying the novena and receive the daily prayers by email to be sure you don't miss a day.  Although we are partial to Blessed Frassati, of course, there are many other spiritual resources available on the site, as well.  Go in peace and check it out!