Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925) was born in Turin, Italy into a wealthy and influential family.
At the same time, he loved the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary, serving the needy, the sick, and orphans who became numerous due to World War I.
He attended Polytechnic University of Turin to become a mining engineer. Furthermore, he was a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, a member of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Catholic Action, and the Popular Party.
On July 19, 1922, he wrote a letter to his mother, Adelaide Ametis, who was an established painter.
Pier Giorgio died of fulminant poliomyelitis (polio) in his mother's arms on July 4, 1925, at the age of 24.
The Affectionate Letter of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati to His Mother
Dear mother,
I am sorry indeed--I was very sorry that you think such things that are not true. Mother'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 my Mother nearby who scolds me every so often, but who in the evening gives me a kiss and her blessing.
Unfortunately, dear Mother, I cannot be with you in Pollone; partly my fault for the serious flaw of being a little too long, but partly the fault of the studies which are very serious.
Dear Mother, excuse me again for all the little sorrows I have caused you, but rest assured that, if I have ever failed you, I will try to do better in the future, because I often think of you and always pray to God to give you those consolations that I, due to my defects, cannot give you, even though I love you very much. Your kiss.
Pier Giorgio