Pier Giorgio, Public Protests and Processions

In two days, tens of thousands of young adults (along with people of all ages) will begin a peaceful march up Constitution Avenue toward the United States Supreme Court in Washington. D.C. to witness to the dignity of life in the womb. 

Attending an event of this size is not without its risks for the participants. There are always protestors who shout insults and engage in behaviors that can be threatening.  Last year's march was no exception with the harassment of 16-year-old Nick Sandmann - who received a settlement earlier this week from CNN after filing a $275 million defamation lawsuit.

Taking to the streets to be a witness for his faith was a regular activity of Pier Giorgio Frassati.  According to his sister Luciana, Pier Giorgio's presence at public processions was an act of courage - not just a demonstration of his religious principles.  "Subversive groups took action," she wrote, "using every means available:  hissing, and shouting insults and threats."

Pier Giorgio was often assigned the task of keeping public order... And so he ran the risk of being punched or, even worse, being arrested. - Luciana Frassati

Although he was arrested on more than one occasion, his style was well-noted to be one of ease and composure when confronted by bullies. He preferred to maintain calm in the midst of chaotic situations.  Because he was able to deal so well with people, he was placed at the front between the public and the procession to maintain order.  He did so by displaying a joyful but firm demeanor with his rosary in hand and often singing loudly.

Many accounts were recorded by eyewitnesses of the good example Pier Giorgio set during public demonstrations.  Here are just a few:

At a solemn Marian procession in Turin, "some women ran off yelling, 'They have a bomb!'  Of course, pandemonium broke out. Pier Giorgio was among the first to hurl himself into the crowd to try to bring it under control, to calm people down." (Giuseppe Ravazzi)

"Pier Giorgio distinguished himself by the way he organized the groups in the procession  and encouraged those who were frightened by the threats that the Fascists  shouted at us." (Father Giovanni Gudissard, I.M.C.)

"I saw him a few days before he died, walking in La Consolata’s procession.  He was in the front of a bold group of Catholic university students, and I admired him, his head held high, behaving very reverently and devoutly, and without hesitation.  And he had no old-fashioned attachment to public opinion."  (The Honorable Attilio Piccioni, attorney, Member of Parliament)

"The crowd was pressing on every side during the procession.  And it wasn’t hard every now and then for squabbles to break out... And so, there were some rather hot-tempered words, shouts, and inappropriate outbursts that marred the solemnity of the event.  There was only one part of the sacred procession where such things would never occur:  that would be the part controlled by Pier Giorgio, who with his tact and good manners made sure that people thought twice about disturbing the good order of the mystical pageant." (Margherita Palomba, teacher)

"I can’t describe the emotion that I felt on the day of the huge procession...  I saw him walking down the streets of Turin with some university students.  His voice, so strong and resounding, could be heard above all the others as they sang We Stand for God at the top of their voices." (Ada Torello)

Since 2002, the U.S. Bishops have declared January 22 to be a “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children." It is also to be a day of penance "for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion."  As faith-filled and courageous Catholics bring their prayerful presence to the streets, may they be inspired by the example of Blessed Frassati.  And may we all join with the Church - today and always - in giving thanks to God for the gift of human life.

"With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life, and in your light, we see light."
Ps 36 (35): 10 - Communion Antiphon, Mass for Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life

Blessed Pier Giorgio, defender of truth and virtue, pray for us.

Verso l'alto!   ///cmw