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Pier Giorgio teaches us how to apologize like a saint

giorgio-frassati

Pier Giorgio Frassati.

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Cerith Gardiner - published on 05/15/25
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Pier Giorgio Frassati’s heartfelt apology to his mom shows how saying sorry can lead us closer to sainthood — and to each other.

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:

Dear Mom,

I am sorry, indeed I felt very sorry that you think such untrue things. Mom's advice is always the wisest and is always good even when one is already old.
This year you have been very far from me and I have been able to appreciate what it means not to have Mom close by who scolds us every now and then, but who in the evening gives us a kiss and her blessing, even though I am not alone, but have a dear aunt and a dear grandmother.
[…]
Dear Mom, forgive me again for all the little annoyances that I have given you, but rest assured that, if I have ever failed you, in the future I will try to do better, because I often think of you and always pray to God, so that He may give you those consolations that I, because of my defects, cannot give you even though I love you very much.

Kisses to you and your aunt.
Pier Giorgio

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.

The gift of a mother’s scolding — and her blessing

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.

A handwritten legacy of love

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.

A saint for kids and parents alike

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:

“I often think of you and always pray to God, so that He may give you those consolations that I, because of my defects, cannot give you, even though I love you very much.”

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