New Saint: A Model of Salesian Spirituality

Oct 15

Pope Leo XIV canonized Pier Giorgio Frassati on Sunday, September 7, 2025, along with Carlo Acutis: these two new saints are patrons for youth and young adults.

St. Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925) embodied the core ideals of Salesian Spirituality, even though he lived centuries after St. Francis de Sales. At the heart of Salesian Spirituality is the call to seek everyday holiness with a spirit of joy, humility, charity, and “heart to heart” love. This is exactly the way Pier Giorgio lived.

Who was Pier Giorgio? He was a young Italian man known for his adventurous spirit and deep love for God. An avid mountain climber, his motto was “Verso l’alto!” — meaning “To the heights!” — which reflected both his passion for mountain climbing and his pursuit of holiness.

St. Francis de Sales taught that holiness is not reserved for priests or religious but is possible for lay people amid ordinary life. This was a revolutionary concept in the 16th Century. Though he loved outdoor adventures and lived a lively social life, Pier Giorgio also cultivated a rich spiritual life. An adventurous spirit with a deep love for the poor, rooted in faith and social justice, it is no wonder St. John Paul II gave him the nickname, the “Man of the Eight Beatitudes.”

St. Pier Giorgio reminds us that we are called not to comfort, but to greatness—to the heights of holiness, service, joy, and purpose. Through his example, he shows us how to live out St. Francis’ Little Virtues in our daily lives. Like St. Francis, he is an example of how authentic holiness is not loud or showy, but often hidden, consistent, and rooted in love.

He is a wonderful role model for young Catholics, as he has demonstrated that one can live a vibrant, deeply spiritual life while fully immersed in the world.

St. Pius X Parish School in Toledo, OH, where Fr. Craig Irwin, OSFS, is pastor, is embracing the inspiring words of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati as its school theme this year: “To the Heights!” Here is a picture of its faculty wearing matching theme T-shirts!

St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us.