Pier Giorgio teaches us how to apologize like a saint

As families step into the rhythm of summer — with its mix of long days, school breaks, and the inevitable bumps between parents and kids — one gentle, handwritten letter from a saint-in-the-making offers a timeless message that resonates as much now as it did over a century ago.

On July 19, 1922, a 21-year-old Pier Giorgio Frassati, now a Blessed of the Church and soon-to-be canonized saint, sat down to write to his mother. It wasn’t just any letter. It was one of those rare, humble apologies that reveals not only the depth of his character, but the heart of a boy who recognized the power and wisdom of a mother’s love — even when it came in the form of a scolding.

Here’s the letter, in full:

In a world where saying “sorry” can be difficult — even for adults — this simple note is striking. Pier Giorgio, known for his joy, his service to the poor, and his deep devotion to Christ, didn’t hesitate to admit when he was wrong. He didn’t make excuses. He didn’t shift the blame. He acknowledged his mother’s wisdom, remembered her tenderness, and offered a heartfelt apology.

For children today, Pier Giorgio offers a powerful example: You don’t have to be perfect to be holy — you just have to love, and be willing to grow.

His words also offer something precious to parents — especially mothers. So often, parenting is a delicate balance between correcting and comforting. You raise your voice, then later kiss a forehead. You set the rule, then wrap your child in a hug. It’s easy to wonder if it’s enough.

But here, Pier Giorgio reminds us: “Mom’s advice is always the wisest.” Even when children push back, even when they don’t seem to listen — they are listening. They’re watching. And years later, it may just be those very words of correction, those boundaries set in love, that they remember with deepest gratitude.

And yes — they might even write about it someday.

There’s something else to be learned from this beautiful letter. It wasn’t a text message or an email dashed off in haste. It was a letter. Handwritten and carefully composed. Folded and sent with intention. In that ink on paper, his mother could see not only the soul of her son, but the weight and care of what he wanted to say.

This summer might be the perfect time to revive the lost art of letter writing — even if it’s just a little note to mom, a thank-you to grandma, or an “I’m sorry” scribbled on a card. In a world full of instant communication, the pause required to write by hand offers something truly sacred: presence, reflection, love.

As Pier Giorgio moves closer to sainthood, his life continues to speak volumes — not only in grand acts of charity or his mountaintop adventures, but in something as humble as this letter home. It shows us that holiness begins in the home, with humility, and with hearts willing to love and forgive.

So this week, whether you’re a child bristling at a parent’s rules, or a parent wondering if your words are sinking in, remember Pier Giorgio’s words — and perhaps echo his prayer: