Background
Pier Giorgio Frassati was a layman from Italy who lived a short but meaningful life. Frassati fervently pursed God in prayer, the outdoors, and service to the poor. He died at age twenty-four from polio, likely contracted while caring for the sick. His life was a testament to living the virtues. Pope St. John Paul II beatified him in 1990 and called him the "Man of the Eight Beatitudes.” Pope Leo XIV is set to canonize Pier Giorgio Frassati on September 7, 2025.
Introduction
Introduce the life of Pier Giorgio Frassati. If your lesson is around the time of his canonization, share a short clip of the ceremony as a prelude to a discussion about why Frassati is called the "Man of the Eight Beatitudes" due to his love and service to the poor and emphasis on charity.
Beatitude Connection
Next, review the Beatitudes. (You may wish to make a handout to share with the students from the list of the Beatitudes or have them read along in their Bibles from Matthew 5:1-12.) The idea is not to go in depth of what each Beatitude means yet, but to recall what they are. A brief discussion and translation of vocabulary would be appropriate as needed.
"When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, the disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:1-12
Video on the Life of Frassati
Following the discussion and review, play the video Pier Giorgio Frassati: Get to Know Him (15 minutes) to highlight how Frassati lived up to being the "Man of the Eight Beatitudes” in his daily life.
Discussion and Reflection
Connect how Frassati lived out the Beatitudes to their life by giving students a few moments to meditate on the Beatitudes asking these refection questions that are most appropriate for your discussions:
The Beatitudes lead us closer to God. They help us live a life of virtue.
· What Beatitude(s) speaks to you the most?
· How can you practice that Beatitude(s) in your life?
Frassati chased after a life of charity. Charity, or love, is the theological virtue that is greater than faith and hope because it will last eternally.
· How did Frassati practice charity in his life?
· What is an actionable step you can take today to practice charity?
As Christians, we are called to live a life of virtue but struggle to be virtuous.
· What does it mean to live a life of virtue?
· Why is there a struggle in the human heart to be virtuous?
· What is holding you back from living a life of virtue? How can you overcome it?
Further Resources:
See the link here for more information on Frassati's life, devotions, etc. to add to your lesson.
Jessica Schultz
Curriculum Intern
