|
Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati
Feast Day: July 4th
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati embodies the spirit of our own Independence Day. Bl. Pier, deemed a “man of the beatitudes,” lived a quite ordinary life. What he did quietly, though, was anything but ordinary. Inspired by the papal encyclical Rerum Novarum, which focused on the working class and the relationship and responsibilities between government and its peoples, Bl. Pier delved into the Catholic Student Foundation, Catholic Action, and the political party known as the People’s Party, which promoted Catholic Social Teaching as highlighted in Rerum Novarum. Even when his political party fell short of its goals, he worked hard to admonish and redirect them towards good works. He received Communion daily and daily went out to give what he had to the poor, though his family and friends had no idea until his death. This mountain-climbing, art and music loving young man courageously fought fascism. After he died at a young age from polio, his funeral overflowed with the poor and needy of the city, those he had personally encountered.
We cannot shy away from day-to-day politics, for politics are shaped by morals, and our morals have much to say about our character and our faith. Bl. Pier knew that and let his faith shape his politics and his outreach. He waded into it, rather than shy away, and still maintained joy and enthusiasm. May it be so for us!
| 
