For years, many Catholics have carried pictures of Pier Giorgio Frassati in their wallets, climbed mountains inspired by his example, quoted his famous "Verso l'alto" ("To the heights"), and asked for his prayers. But today, something changes.
Today, June 25, Catholics around the world will begin what is believed to be the first novena prayed in honor of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati since his canonization in Rome on September 7, 2025. While there is something moving and exciting about being part of a "first," this new novena in honor of the young Italian also seems to bring a glimmer of hope.
Maybe it's because Frassati's life -- albeit far too short -- seemed to embody the virtue itself. His faith was deep, but it was never gloomy. He loved the mountains, cherished his friends, devoted himself to the poor, and threw himself into life with an enthusiasm that still feels contagious nearly a century later.
No wonder he has become a hero to so many young Catholics. Frassati reminds us that holiness is not reserved for people who withdraw from the world. It can be found in friendship, adventure, service, laughter, and the countless ordinary choices that slowly shape a life.
Perhaps that is why the first novena to St. Pier Giorgio Frassati feels so timely. At a moment when many people are searching for connection and reasons to be hopeful, Catholics around the world will spend nine days turning to a saint who never stopped looking upward.
And if Frassati's life teaches anything, it is that hope is rarely passive. It laces up its boots, gathers its friends, heads for the mountains, and keeps moving towards the heights.
Every devotion has a beginning. This year, thousands of Catholics will be able to say they were there for the first novena prayed to St. Pier Giorgio Frassati as a canonized saint. Somehow, it feels fitting that a young man who spent his life encouraging others "to the heights" is still inspiring people to take the next step.
If you'd like to sign up for the Novena, click on the details here provided by the Frassati Association.
