MANILA, Philippines -- The memorial of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Lay Dominican from Italy, was celebrated for the first time at the University of Santo Tomas last July 4, 2017.
The Young Thomasian Professionals Lay Dominican group spearheaded the celebration in partnership with Santisimo Rosario Parish. The mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Filemon I. dela Cruz Jr., O.P., the group's ecclesiastical assistant and outgoing Vice Rector for Religious Affairs of the University of Santo Tomas. Santisimo Rosario parish priest, Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., delivered the homily on Blessed Frassati's life.
The Young Thomasian Professionals Lay Dominican group spearheaded the celebration in partnership with Santisimo Rosario Parish. The mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Filemon I. dela Cruz Jr., O.P., the group's ecclesiastical assistant and outgoing Vice Rector for Religious Affairs of the University of Santo Tomas. Santisimo Rosario parish priest, Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., delivered the homily on Blessed Frassati's life.
Blessed PIer Giorgio Frassati was a 24 year old Lay Dominican from Turin, Italy. He came from a rich family, his parents being liberal bourgeoisie. They did not approve of his piety, but this did not stop him from finding Christ both in prayer and in selfless service. He was an active figure in several organizations such as the Apostleship of Prayer, Catholic Action, and Pax Romana. Inspired by the writings of St. Catherine of Siena, he became a Lay Dominican in 1922. Just a few days before receiving his diploma, he died of polio on July 4, 1925. Doctors suspected that he contracted the disease from one of the poor people he was serving.
His sudden demise was a surprise to his family, and his funeral was attended by hundreds of the poor people he was serving.
His body was found incorrupt, and St. Pope John Paul II beatified him in 1990, calling him 'The Man of the Eight Beatitudes.' "He testifies that holiness is possible for everyone, and that only the revolution of charity can enkindle the hope of a better future in the hearts of people," said the holy father. [1]
The two priests and the Lay Dominican group expressed surprise and thanksgiving at the number of people who attended the Eucharistic celebration. Such high attendance was not expected because the university is currently on its vacation break.
In his homily, Fr. Coronel emphasized the uniqueness of Blessed Frassati's example, which is found in the normality and simplicity of his life. He pointed out that Blessed Frassati was an ordinary youngster who had typical hobbies and interests, yet he was able to find an opportunity to deepen his faith and spirituality in the events of his daily life.
Fr. dela Cruz, before the final blessing, encouraged the congregation to follow the example of Blessed Frassati: to always challenge oneself to "reach the top," that is to say God, an expression that comes from the motto of Blessed Frassati, "Verso L'alto."
The holy Mass was followed by the veneration of his sacred relic, which came directly from Ms. Wanda Gawronska, his niece (daughter of his sister, Luciana). The digital copy of the portrait was also sent from Rome by Ms. Gawronska, who expressed her wholehearted support for the group's endeavor of making Blessed Frassati known in the Philippines.
[1] https://frassatiusa.org/beatification-homily