Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati is known for his mountain hikes, charity to the poor, and deep faith -- but did you know he also dabbled in Mahjong?
The young future saint mentioned learning this classic Chinese tile game in a letter to his sister, Luciana, revealing a playful side to his personality, as well as a thirst to learn. With his canonization nearing, the faithful are learning more about his life and the thing that stands out is that Pier Giorgio had a very normal and joyful demeanor -- characteristics that make him so appealing to the youth.
In fact on the website dedicated to the saint you can find out so many wonderful things, including reflections on his numerous letters that revealed just how normal his life was, and how his faith was at the heart of it.
As his sister reflected: "He was a man who didn’t complain or feel embarrassed about doing anything, as long as it was done for the glory of God."
He wasn’t afraid to have fun: he skied, danced, played practical jokes, and even gave challenging new games like Mahjong a go.
Pier Giorgio believed we "should never just exist but truly live," and in doing so we can embrace both the mundane and the sublime elements life has to offer. This vibrant approach to life reminds us that wholesome recreation and holiness can happily go hand-in-hand.
A surprising hobby with benefits
Mahjong might seem like an unusual hobby for an early-20th-century Italian, yet by the 1920s this Chinese game had become a global craze. Mahjong is a four-player game of strategy, memory, and a bit of luck -- similar to rummy, but played with engraved tiles. It’s easy to learn but offers endless fun and challenge.
Getting a group of friends together for a Mahjong night can be both entertaining and enriching. Modern studies even suggest that playing Mahjong can boost mental sharpness and emotional well-being. Researchers have found it provides “enhanced cognitive health and social and emotional support” for players, according to research in the National Library of Medicine.
In other words, this pastime isn’t just a game -- it’s a mini workout for your brain and a wonderful social connector. Pier Giorgio’s attempt at Mahjong shows that he valued broadening his horizons and building camaraderie. He was a lifelong learner and loved any activity that fostered friendship and community spirit. Why not follow his example and try this game with your own circle of friends?
Faith, fellowship, and fun
For Pier Giorgio, faith and friendship were deeply intertwined. This can be seen in anouther letter he once wrote that said: “one of the most beautiful affections is that of friendship; and every day I ought to thank God because he has given me friends … who form for me a precious guide for my whole life.”
Gathering with friends to play Mahjong can be a way to celebrate those friendships and build new ones. A friendly game night creates space for laughter, conversation, and genuine connection -- all of which reflect the joy at the heart of Christian community.
In Pier Giorgio’s life, even casual pastimes were touched by his faith: He approached everything with gratitude and love for others. Hosting a Mahjong evening could start with a short prayer or a toast to friendship, setting a tone of thankfulness. As tiles click and strategies unfold, you might find that the game encourages patience, respect, and teamwork -- virtues that indeed resonate with a life of faith.
Living the joy of the Gospel in everyday life
Pier Giorgio Frassati teaches us that holiness can be lived in ordinary moments -- whether climbing a mountain, serving the poor, or sitting around a table enjoying a game. He integrated his love for God into “everything he did,” without compartmentalizing faith from fun. His lesser-known Mahjong hobby is a charming example: Even in leisure, he remained open to learning and sharing joy with others.
In a world that often pulls us into isolating digital entertainment, a simple analog game night with friends can be a refreshing way to truly connect. It’s an opportunity to slow down, appreciate each other’s company, and maybe even encounter God’s presence in the smiles and goodwill around the table.
So gather your friends, brew some tea (in honor of Mahjong’s Chinese roots!), and play a few rounds. By embracing Pier Giorgio’s spirit of community and contemplation, you might infuse your social life with deeper meaning. In the end, a Mahjong night done “Frassati-style” isn’t just about winning a game -- it’s about celebrating friendship, engaging our minds, and lifting our hearts “verso l’alto” (to the heights). Enjoy the tiles, enjoy each other, and let the joy of the Gospel shine through every laugh and every play!
