Pope Benedict on Pier Giorgio Frassati

At the end of his weekly general audience this week, on July 4, Pope Benedict hailed the example of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati as a role model for youth.

As some of you may know I have a particular devotion to PGF, having maintained one of the oldest web pages on the Internet devoted to him. Online for over 10 years now! Literally, tens of thousands of people—perhaps hundreds of thousands—have visited those pages.

I think Pier Giorgio is indeed an excellent example for all people, especially in how he combined a love for life with a passion for true social justice.

Benedict XVI offered the example of Blessed Piergiorgio Frassat (sic), a student and sportsman who died at age 24.

At the end of today’s general audience, the Pope greeted young people, the sick and newlyweds. He spoke to them about the Italian youth, who was a member of Catholic Action. The liturgical memorial of Blessed Piergiorgio Frassat (sic) (1901-1925) is celebrated today.

“May his example give you strength, dear youth, to give witness to the Gospel in every circumstance of life,” the Holy Father said. “May he help you, dear sick people, to offer your daily suffering so that the civilization of love can be built up in the world.

“May he support you, dear newlyweds, to construct your families on the solid foundation of intimate union with God.”

If you want to learn more about Frassati, check out my web page or you can order one of several books about him, including one written by his sister. Those are linked from that page too.

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