Three of Pope Francis' most popular themes have been the youth, reaching out to the peripheries, and the joy of a Christian. Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young man beatified by John Paul II, is one of the greatest modern-day examples of this.
The son of wealthy parents, Pier Giorgio had a contagious spark for life, and an enormous heart for those in need. When he died at 24 after contracting polio from those he helped, people flooded the streets of Turin, honoring a man whose pure goodness changed the lives of many.
FR. MICHAEL NIEMCZAK
Founder, www.piergiorgioletter.org
“In that short span of 24 years, he was able to love our Lord and love His people in such a remarkable and beautiful way. He didn't found any congregations, didn't do any of the things that you typically think of saints of doing, instead he just helped each person that he could find everyday to help, and ended up having these huge effects.”
These effects have far from subsided, which is exactly why Fr. Michael created this website, www.piergiorgioletter.org. It is a virtual letter to unite those around the world who have a devotion to this young man, with a specific end goal in mind.
FR. MICHAEL NIEMCZAK
Founder, www.piergiorgioletter.org
'The letter is to Pope Francis asking him to canonize Blessed Pier Giorgio at the upcoming synod for young people. We don't have to wait until our vocational path is clear for us. We just do what each day we are presented with, what opportunity we have to help this person or that person, and that's what sainthood is.'
Since its launch on May 20, the anniversary of Blessed Pier Giorgio's beatification by John Paul II, the signatures have come from all ends of the planet.
FR. MICHAEL NIEMCZAK
Founder, www.piergiorgioletter.org
'We have 1,206 signatures from people in 40 different countries, which is astounding. Within the first 48 hours from every single continent we had someone sign. And so we see how widespread devotion to Blessed Pier Giorgio is, and we wanted to give Pope Francis tangible evidence of that.'
Pope Francis has said that 'a Christian is never bored or sad. Rather, the one who loves Christ is full of joy and radiates joy.' With these words, Blessed Pier Giorgi certainly fits the build.
