Young Dominicans Celebrate the New Saint: Pier Giorgio Frassati
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Santuario Youth Ministry joined Local Frassati Day celebration. |
Manila, Philippines – September 13, 2025: The Kadang Dominiko, Dominican Youth Movement of the Dominican Province of the Holy Rosary and Parish Youth Ministry of Santuario del Sto. Cristo, participated in the Local Frassati Day celebration held at the National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Loreto in Sampaloc, Manila.
The delegation was headed by Joaquin Miguel Castillon, Regional Rapporteur for Asia Pacific of the International Dominican Youth Movement.
Frassati: Young, Holy, Servant, Inspiration, Saint
The event, organized by the Frassati Society of the Philippines, was a thanksgiving gathering in honor of the canonization of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati at St. Peter’s Square on September 7, 2025. It was held to celebrate this milestone of faith with the wider community.
Since only a limited number of Filipinos were able to attend the historic ceremony in Rome, the local celebration became especially meaningful. It offered an opportunity for devotees, collaborators, promoters, and friends of Frassati to rejoice together. They also gave thanks for the gift of his sainthood.
Pier Giorgio Frassati was born in Turin, Italy, in 1901. He came from a prominent family, yet he chose a path of service rather than privilege. From an early age, he dedicated his life to helping the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. His compassion was rooted in his deep faith and desire to live the Gospel.
As a young lay Dominican, Frassati drew strength from prayer, the Eucharist, and devotion to the Blessed Mother. He balanced his spiritual practices with an active apostolate. He often visited hospitals and poor neighborhoods to comfort those in need. His life showed how faith and action could exist side by side. A lover of nature, he also enjoyed mountain climbing with his friends. On these journeys, he embodied his motto “Verso l’alto” (To the heights), a phrase that pointed not only to mountain peaks but also to holiness.
Although he was full of life and energy, Frassati’s mission brought him close to suffering. He contracted polio, most likely from serving the sick, and died in 1925 at only 24 years old. His witness earned him the title “Man of the Eight Beatitudes.” His joy, service, and faith still inspire young people around the world. Decades later, Pope St. John Paul II beatified him in 1990. Finally, Pope Leo XIV canonized him as a saint in 2025.
Celebrating the Legacy of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati
The day’s program featured several meaningful activities. These included a sharing on the life and works of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and the communal recitation of the Holy Rosary. Exhibits dedicated to his legacy were also displayed for participants.
The highlight of the event was the celebration of the Holy Mass. It was presided over by Rev. Fr. Mhandy S. Malijan, OP, of the Dominican Youth Movement Philippines. His presence gave the gathering a strong spiritual foundation.
Organizers shared their hope for the occasion. They wished that young people would come to know Frassati more deeply. His example of faith, charity, and service continues to inspire others.
