Pier Giorgio Michelangelo Frassati was born in Turin, Italy, on April 6, 1901. His mother, Adelaide Ametis, was a painter, while his father Alfredo was a prominent figure as the founder and director of the newspaper “La Stampa,” and held influential roles in Italian politics, serving as an Italian Senator and Ambassador to Germany.

From a young age, Pier Giorgio embraced a deep spiritual life, joining the Marian Sodality and the Apostleship of Prayer. He obtained permission for daily Communion, a rarity at the time, and shared his spiritual zeal with friends. The Holy Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary were central to his prayer life.

At 17, he joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society, dedicating much of his time to serving the sick, needy, orphans, and demobilized soldiers after World War I. Despite his studies in mining engineering at the Royal Polytechnic University of Turin, which he pursued to “serve Christ better among miners,” Pier Giorgio remained active in social and political spheres. He was deeply involved in Catholic Action and the People’s Party, advocating for social justice based on Catholic principles.

Pier Giorgio’s charity extended beyond material donations; he gave of himself completely, inspired by his daily communion with Christ and nocturnal adoration. He sacrificed personal comforts, such as vacations, to care for the poor in Turin.

In 1921, he played a key role in organizing the first convention of Pax Romana in Ravenna, aiming for global peace through Catholic unity among students. A lover of nature and sports, especially mountain climbing, Pier Giorgio used these outings for apostolic work, guiding friends in prayer and spiritual reflection.

He was well-rounded in his interests, enjoying theater, opera, and art, and quoting passages from Dante. Inspired by St. Paul’s teachings on charity and the writings of St. Catherine of Siena, he joined the Lay Dominicans in 1922, taking the name Girolamo after his hero, Savonarola.

Despite his affluent background, Pier Giorgio remained staunchly anti-Fascist and defended his beliefs physically when necessary. His courage was evident during a confrontation with police while defending a Church-organized protest in Rome.

Tragically, just before completing his degree, Pier Giorgio contracted polio, possibly from those he had been caring for. He died on July 4, 1925, at the age of 24, his last thoughts for the poor. His funeral was a testament to his impact, with countless mourners lining the streets, many unaware of his family’s prominence.

Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1990, Pier Giorgio Frassati’s incorrupt remains now rest in Turin’s cathedral, drawing pilgrims seeking his intercession and inspiration, especially among the youth.