Pier Giorgio Frassati: To the Heights

When Pier Giorgio Frassati died at the age of 24 on July 4, 1925, people from all walks of life flocked to his family home in Turin, Italy, to pay their respects. The young university student, athlete, and member of the Third Order of Dominicans died of polio contracted while visiting people in need. He radiated a burning charity born of an ardent faith, heroically caring for the sick and the poor. Beatified in 1990 by Pope John Paul II, who held him up as a model for young people, Pier Giorgio became the patron saint of mountaineers, sportsmen and women, and World Youth Day. His whole life was guided by his motto: “To the Heights.”