"With violence hatred is sown and then its evil fruits are harvested." - Pier Giorgio Frassati
In Pier Giorgio's lifetime, the rise of fascism in Italy brought with it a disturbing amount of violence. He was increasingly concerned about the infiltration of this spirit of violence even into the Church. He wrote against it and insisted that "the Catholic Faith is based on real Love" and that True Peace is sown with charity.
The violence came literally to his doorstep in June of 1924 on a day when his father was away from home. Although he preferred peace, he was prepared to and did use his fists to defend his family and the Church at various times. The news of this attack by the Fascists and Pier Giorgio’s bravery appeared in the Italian newspapers, and even those in England, Germany and the United States.
In his own version (below) of what happened that day, he tried to downplay his bravery because he was embarrassed by all the attention it received. However he made no attempt to downplay his opinion of the Fascist party "made up of a union of delinquents or thieves or assassins or idiots."
Writing to his good friend Antonio Villani - and never expecting his words to be made public decades later, of course - Pier Giorgio revealed his true, raw emotions about the political climate of his time and the loss of liberty closing in on Italy. It is a captivating glimpse into the passionate heart of the Man of the Beatitudes.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, patriotic citizen of the nation, pray for us.
Verso l'alto! ///cmw
p.s. It may help to know when reading his letter that Mariscia is the family maid, Italo is the family chauffeur and Matteoti was a politician who openly spoke against the Fascists and was murdered by them 13 days earlier. Also, when Pier Giorgio uses the word "Courageously," he is being completely sarcastic.
Turin, June 23, 1924