| VERSO L'ALTO ("to the heights") THE BLESSED PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI STORY
After what would become his final climb, Pier Giorgio Frassati wrote a simple note on a photograph: "Verso L'Alto." This theme, "to the heights," pretty much puncuates Frassati's life from the moment he made his grand appearance on April 6, 1901 (birthday), a day before Easter Sunday, in the vibrant city of Turin, Italy.
Born into the influential Frassati family, Pier Giorgio was the son of Alfredo Frassati, a noted agnostic and owner of the liberal newspaper La Stampa, and Adélaïde Ametis, a talented painter. Pier Giorgio's upbringing was marked by the juxtaposition of his father's political involvement and his mother's artistic pursuits, providing him with a unique perspective on life from a young age. He shared his childhood with his sister Luciana Gawronska, forming strong family bonds that would shape his character in the years to come.
Even in his early years, Pier Giorgio's compassionate nature shone brightly. Stories abound of his selfless acts of kindness, such as giving away his shoes to a shoeless child who came to their door, or insisting on bringing a drunken man home for a meal after his father refused to help. These formative experiences instilled in Pier Giorgio a deep sense of empathy and solidarity with the less fortunate, laying the foundation for his lifelong commitment to social justice.
Pier Giorgio's spiritual journey unfolded alongside his altruistic endeavors. He received his first confession at the church of Corpus Christi in 1910, followed by his First Communion in 1911 and Confirmation in 1915. His faith was not merely a matter of ritual; it permeated every aspect of his life, guiding his actions and inspiring his devotion to serving others. Pier Giorgio's favorite phrase, "Charity is not enough; we need social reform," became a guiding principle that fueled his passion for social justice and drove him to action.
Despite his privileged background, Pier Giorgio eschewed material comforts in favor of a life dedicated to service and solidarity. He joined student groups, such as Catholic Action, and actively opposed fascism, once being arrested for protesting alongside the Young Catholic Workers Congress. Pier Giorgio's commitment to social reform extended beyond mere activism; he sought to effect change through concrete actions, such as establishing a newspaper based on Pope Leo XIII's Rerum novarum and joining the Saint Vincent de Paul group to assist the poor and marginalized.
Pier Giorgio's multifaceted interests and talents were as varied as they were remarkable. An avid mountaineer, athlete, and scholar, he excelled in his pursuits while always maintaining his moral integrity. He climbed mountains such as the Grand Tournalin and Monte Viso, finding solace and inspiration in the rugged beauty of nature. Yet, his love for adventure never eclipsed his deep spirituality; he saw God's handiwork in the majestic peaks and breathtaking vistas, viewing each climb as an opportunity for prayer and communion with the Divine.
Pier Giorgio's life was cut short by polio at the age of 24. Yet, even in the face of adversity, he remained a beacon of humility and grace, offering his sufferings for the sake of others. His death drew thousands to mourn his passing, a testament to the profound impact he had on the lives of those he touched.
Today, Pier Giorgio Frassati is remembered as a model of holiness and virtue, whose unwavering commitment to faith continues to inspire generations. His incorrupt body, discovered years after his death, serves as a tangible reminder of his enduring legacy and the transformative power of a life lived in service to others. Pier Giorgio Frassati was beatified by Pope John Paul II on May 20, 1990, and his beatification was celebrated in Rome. He will be canonized during the Jubilee of 2025.
We are so blessed to be united with you for the Kingdom. As Pier Giorgio himself once said, "To live without faith, without a patrimony to defend, without a steady struggle for truth, that is not living, but existing."
Greg Schlueter
Mass Impact | Image Trinity
Greg@MassImpact.us | (814) 449-8808
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EPISODE 420: THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY Deacon Jeff Compton's interview of Greg Schlueter on "The Magnificent Piglets of Pigletsville"
What do you get when you combine a global pandemic, weaponized media and government, and the ensuing traumatic spiritual languishing of intelligent, kind, and noble piglets at the hands of sinister wolves who masquerade in piglets' clothing?
In this episode of IGNITE Radio Live, we feature Deacon Jeff Compton's (Holy Family Radio) interview with Greg Schlueter on the backstory of his #1 New Release on Amazon, "The Magnificent Piglets of Pigletsville" (Our Present-Day Plight Wrapped in a Fairytale). Greg shares vulnerably and candidly his real-life circumstances that became the wind in the sails:
"While you will recognize present-day political personalities and circumstances in the shallows, in the depths, this is about our shared yearning for belonging and becoming, which takes place on a battlefield. It's about goodness, truth, and sacrifice amidst great deception by Forces who hate us. And the consequences. This is about redemption, conquering, and transformation. It's about true, missioned friendship. It's about our pursuit not simply of Everywhere, and certainly, not Anywhere, but Somewhere, guided by Someone, the Whisper of the Unseen." ORDER PRINT OR AUDIO
Also in this episode, we do a deeper dive into the Gospel:
"They do not belong to the world." (John 17:11b-19)
And we discuss these consequential news stories from The Loop (CatholicVote.org):
- EXPERT: Why More Women Should ‘Do Away With’ Hormonal Birth Control
- CHICAGO PRIEST Blesses Lesbian Couple
- GROUP Behind Campus Protests Reportedly Has Hamas Ties
- ‘WOKENESS’ Expert: Protests Show ‘Rise of Victimhood’ Among Youth
- Pro-Palestine Protesters Demand Plan B Pills, HIV Tests
- Groups Funding Protests Donated to Biden
- Arizona Bishops Slam State’s Repeal of Pro-Life Law
- Boy Scouts Eliminate ‘Boy’ From Name
♣ A vital partnership with Father John Riccardo's Rescue Project: Home Edition amplifies our commitment to bringing the Father's Heart into homes. This collaboration serves as a beacon of hope, offering refuge, healing, and renewal to those seeking a deeper connection with their faith. (CatholicRevival.us)
♣ At the core of our mission is the Live IT Gathering Guide, a weekly commitment for families to grow together. United with other families on the same journey, we form a robust network of support, fortifying each other in our collective mission to build the Kingdom of God. (ILoveMyFamily.us) Get our Live IT App with all the things! (MassImpact.us/APP)
♣ #1 NEW RELEASE ON AMAZON! My first book and ebook, "The Magnificent Piglets of Pigletsville" (Our Present-Day Plight Wrapped in a Fairytale) is available in paperback, hardcopy, Kindle, Audible, Audiobook and iTunes. In the depths, beyond the shallows of politics, is our deepest aspiration for belonging and becoming, which takes place on a battlefield. ORDER See the book-movie trailer at Squigglesprout.com.
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