St. Pier Giorgio Frassati: A Saint for Our Times

On September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV will canonize Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati alongside St. Carlo Acutis and seven other blesseds in St. Peter’s Square, a historic moment during the Jubilee Year of Hope [Vatican News]. Known as the “Man of the Eight Beatitudes,” Frassati’s vibrant faith, charity, and love for the poor inspire Catholics, especially youth, to live boldly for Christ. At CatholicFaithStore.com, we’re excited to honor this new saint with sacred items to deepen your devotion. Discover Frassati’s life, his canonization, and how to pray with him for strength and service.

Who Was Pier Giorgio Frassati?

Born on April 6, 1901, in Turin, Italy, Pier Giorgio Frassati was the son of Alfredo Frassati, founder of La Stampa newspaper, and grew up in a wealthy family. Despite his privileged background, he dedicated his life to serving the poor through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which he joined at 17, and Catholic Action. A Third Order Dominican, he embraced a life of prayer, daily Communion, and charity, often giving away his own possessions to help the needy. An avid mountaineer, Frassati saw parallels between climbing and the spiritual ascent to God, famously writing “Verso l’Alto” (“To the Heights”) on a photo from his final climb. He died of polio at age 24 on July 4, 1925, likely contracted while serving the sick. His funeral was filled with the poor he had helped, a testament to his impact [USCCB].

The Canonization of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

Frassati’s canonization, originally planned for August 3, 2025, during the Jubilee of Youth, was rescheduled to September 7, 2025, to be celebrated with St. Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, known for his Eucharistic devotion [Catholic News Agency]. Pope John Paul II beatified Frassati in 1990, calling him a “man of the Eight Beatitudes” for his embodiment of Gospel virtues. A miracle attributed to Frassati’s intercession—a seminarian’s healed Achilles tendon—paved the way for his canonization, verified by the Vatican in November 2024 [EWTN Vatican]. This joint canonization highlights the Church’s call to holiness for young people, with Frassati as a model of lay spirituality and service.

Why Invoke St. Pier Giorgio Frassati?

Frassati’s life of joy, charity, and faith makes him a powerful intercessor for youth, athletes, and those seeking to serve others. His motto, “Verso l’Alto,” inspires us to strive for holiness in everyday life. Whether you’re facing personal challenges, discerning your vocation, or seeking to live out Catholic social teaching, Frassati’s example encourages perseverance and love. As Pope Francis said, Frassati “did not grow up ‘wrapped in cotton wool’” but lived with “the vitality of the Holy Spirit” [USCCB].

Prayers and Practices with St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

Pray for Strength and Charity

Frassati’s dedication to the poor and his joyful faith make him an ideal intercessor for strength in serving others.

• • Prayer: “St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, you lived the Beatitudes with joy. Intercede for me, that I may serve the poor and grow in faith, striving ‘to the heights’ with Christ. Amen.”
  • Product Spotlight: Wear the Pier Giorgio Frassati Medal to carry his inspiration daily. Pair it with a St. Pier Giorgio Frassati Birthstone Rosary for personalized prayer.
  • Tip: Pray a novena to St. Pier Giorgio, offering intentions for those in need or your own spiritual growth.

Create a Prayer Space

A sacred space can help you focus on Frassati’s call to holiness and service.

• • Prayer: “Lord, through St. Pier Giorgio’s intercession, guide me to live with joy and charity, trusting in your will. Amen.”
  • Product Spotlight: Place a Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue in your prayer corner and light a Votive Candle to honor Frassati’s devotion.
  • Tip: Include a Prayer Card with Frassati’s image for daily reflection.

Join in Community Service

Frassati’s work with the St. Vincent de Paul Society inspires acts of charity.

• • Prayer: “St. Pier Giorgio, help me see Christ in the poor and serve with your joy and humility. Amen.”
  • Product Spotlight: Carry a Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati Silver Plated Rosary while volunteering to stay prayerfully connected.
  • Tip: Join a local St. Vincent de Paul Society or parish outreach, dedicating your service to Frassati.

Celebrating the Canonization

The joint canonization of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Carlo Acutis on September 7, 2025, will be a highlight of the Jubilee Year, drawing thousands of young pilgrims to Rome [Dominican Order]. Other blesseds, including Bartolo Longo and José Gregorio Hernández, will be canonized on October 19, 2025. Frassati’s legacy, marked by his incorrupt body and joyful witness, continues to inspire, as seen during the “Frassati Days” centenary celebration in Turin in July 2025 [Catholic News Agency]. Celebrate by praying with Frassati and living his motto, “Verso l’Alto,” in your daily life.

Conclusion: To the Heights with St. Pier Giorgio

St. Pier Giorgio Frassati’s canonization is a call to live with joy, faith, and service, especially for young Catholics. At CatholicFaithStore.com, we’re honored to offer sacred items to help you honor this new saint and strive “to the heights” in your spiritual journey.