DONATION WEEK
Before Black Friday, use this week to support Aleteia in its evangelizing mission.
Your donation will bear fruit, making hope shine every day.
While Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati is often referred to as the "Man of the Beatitudes," St. John Paul II also named him the "man of our century."
He spoke these words at the beatification of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati on May 20, 1990.
He is the "interior" man loved by the Father, because he loved much! He is also the man of our century, the modern man, the man who loved so much! Isn't love the most necessary thing in our 20th century, at its beginning as well as at its end? Isn't it true that only this remains, without ever losing its validity: the fact that he "loved"?
St. John Paul II was referring to the 20th century, which was a century marked by many wars and death. Frassati's example of selfless love of other people, especially the poor and most vulnerable, was a beacon of light in the midst of the darkness.
Revolution of Charity
Furthermore, St. John Paul II added, "[Frassati] testifies that holiness is possible for everyone and that only the revolution of charity can kindle the hope of a better future in the hearts of men."
Frassati's example remains potent in the 21st century and his intercession is repeatedly invoked by young and old alike.
A "revolution of charity" is still needed and Pope Francis spoke in similar terms during his pontificate.
Pope Francis explained in a TED talk that, "The third message I would like to share today is, indeed, about revolution: the revolution of tenderness. And what is tenderness? It is the love that comes close and becomes real. It is a movement that starts from our heart and reaches the eyes, the ears and the hands. Tenderness means to use our eyes to see the other, our ears to hear the other, to listen to the children, the poor, those who are afraid of the future."
He further explained, "tenderness is the path of choice for the strongest, most courageous men and women. Tenderness is not weakness; it is fortitude. It is the path of solidarity, the path of humility. "
Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati lived out this "revolution of charity" in his life, serving those most in need. He remains a model for all to follow, even in the 21st century and beyond.
