For Father Gary Kaiser, the paths leading to the discovery of a future saint and the call to the priesthood intersected about 10 years ago. After relocating to the
Kaiser was captivated by the life story of Frassati and wanted to learn more. A few months after the first encounter, Kaiser was invited to join another young adult group, the Frassati Society of the
During the Jubilee Year of 2000, Kaiser turned 30. At a crossroad in his life, he decided to join a group of the Frassati Society on a pilgrimage to
Following the footsteps of this rugged, renaissance, charitable and holy man, Kaiser desired to learn more and began reading books written by Frassati’s sister. “Inspired and encouraged by the story of Frassati’s life, I decided to enter seminary. I followed his example of deepening my understanding and love for the Eucharist, a devotion I continue to cultivate and practice today.” While in seminary, Kaiser suffered two ruptured discs in his neck. Recovering from surgery, Kaiser awoke to see a relic of Frassati before him. Once again his friend was beside him, encouraging Kaiser at another crossroad.
In 2005, Kaiser traveled to
During his ordination to the Priesthood on June 3, 2006, Fr. Kaiser carried a relic of Frassati. “All my family and friends were there and when I lay prostrate on the floor and heard ‘Blessed Pier Giorgio…. Pray for us,’ I knew all of my family and friends were present and praying as I became a servant of God’s altar.”
Shortly after Fr. Kaiser arrived at his assignment, there was an estate auction down the street. Surveying the items, he noticed a book on Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Contacting the Frassati office in
Later that year, Bishop Gerald Gettelfinger asked Fr. Kaiser to serve as Chaplain for a Youth and Young Adult group. The group is a lay movement that has a Eucharistic focus and is called Source and
In the 10 years that have passed since Fr. Kaiser first learned of Frassati, the adventure has now come full circle. Kaiser has been chosen as the spiritual director for the first official pilgrimage sponsored by FrassatiUSA. Now he is inviting others to join him and FrassatiUSA in traveling to
“I am so excited to share with others this opportunity to learn more about this holy man, and to literally follow in his footsteps.” The pilgrimage is May 12th through the 22nd of 2008, and will include stops in
Fr. Gary Kaiser attended Saint Meinrad School of Theology in