Pier Giorgio Frassati (CNA/Public domain)
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati's Canonization Likely During Church's 2025 Jubilee Year.
There is mounting anticipation that Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati may be officially recognized as a saint during the Church's Jubilee Year in 2025, as indicated by the head of the Vatican's office for saints' causes. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, revealed this prospect at Catholic Action's national assembly in Sacrofano, Italy, on April 26.
Addressing attendees, Cardinal Semeraro declared, "I would like to tell you that the canonization of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati is now clearly on the horizon and is in sight for the coming Jubilee Year," as reported by Avvenire, the official newspaper of the Italian bishops' conference.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, who passed away at the age of 24 in 1925, continues to be cherished by many Catholic youth for his fervent devotion to holiness, which soared "to the heights."
Hailing from the northern Italian city of Turin, Frassati was renowned as an ardent mountaineer and member of the Third Order of Dominicans, recognized for his charitable endeavors. At the tender age of 17, he immersed himself in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, devoting his free time to aiding the impoverished, homeless, and infirm, as well as veterans returning from World War I.
Frassati was actively engaged in the Apostleship of Prayer and Catholic Action, securing permission to partake in daily Communion. In a poignant gesture, he inscribed the phrase "Verso L'Alto" ("to the heights") on a photograph taken during his final climb. This motto has since become emblematic for Catholics inspired by Frassati to aspire towards the summit of eternal life alongside Christ.
Tragically, he succumbed to polio on July 4, 1925, with medical professionals later speculating that he contracted the illness while tending to the sick. His beatification was conferred by St. John Paul II in 1990.
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Pier Giorgio Frassati could be canonised during 2025 Jubilee, cardinal says (By Courtney Mares, CNA)
