15 Days of Prayer with Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati

Pier Giorgio is one of those fiery, passionate souls who keeps his eyes fixed firmly on the prize. His life is a testament to the truth that holiness is not just for the saints of the past, but for each one of us, and it is something we can live out right now. Born into a prominent family with every opportunity to enjoy a comfortable, worldly life, Pier Giorgio could have chosen that path. But instead, he embraced a different calling—the path of service to the poorest in the slums of Turin. Despite his family’s lack of understanding, he amazed everyone not just with his selfless generosity and humility, but with his infectious joy and boundless energy. A passionate mountaineer, he spent time climbing the Alps with a group of friends affectionately known as the Shady Characters. In these climbs, he discovered the deep joy of pushing past his own limits and seeking something greater. Pier Giorgio was also deeply involved in student movements and committed to fighting the rise of Fascism in the political landscape of his time. Through his letters, we gain insight into his profound love for those who are neglected and the personal struggles he faced as he worked tirelessly to serve his brothers and sisters. At the tender age of twenty-four, just as he was about to finish his studies in engineering, Pier Giorgio contracted polio and passed away suddenly on July 4, 1925.