Frassati Society
The Frassati Society at King's University College is a newly formed student group that meets under the direction of our Chaplain, Father Michael Béchard, for the purpose of ministering in charity to the citizens of London and area in the spirit of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. The Frassati Society seeks engagement with a number of community organizations and agencies that are seeking volunteer assistance. When Campus Ministry was originally established in 2000, it was under the name "The Frassati Centre for Campus Ministry" in honour of Blessed Pier Giorgio, whom Pope John Paul II had named the "Man of the Beatitudes and Patron of Youth." Despite our name change, we continue to entrust our work and service to his intercession.
When: Mondays & Tuesdays @ 1:00PM
Where: Chapel of Christ the King (Wemple, King's)
The Frassati Society meets twice a week in Christ the King Chapel from September - June. They also engage in active charitable ministries throughout the city as individuals, and on occasion, as a group.
If you are interested in more information or if you would like to get involved, please contact Father Michael Béchard at (519) 963-1477 or mbechard@uwo.ca.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925)
"Man of the Beatitudes and Patron of Youth"
Pier Giorgio was born in Turin, Italy and from a young age dedicated himself to works of social action, charity, prayer and community. As a university student, he drew members of the university community together in prayer and to the Eucharist. From this common life, they ministered in charity to the citizens of the city of Turin.
Despite his family's great wealth and power, Blessed Pier Giorgio donated most of the money he was given as allowance to those he saw as "needy" and he was actively engaged in every organization with which he was involved. He was known for his steadfast commitment to the faith and his support of young people in their journey with Jesus Christ.
Blessed Pier Giorgio died tragically young in 1925 of poliomyelitis.
As the cortage passed through the streets of Turin, the Frassati family was amazed that thousands of mourners lined the streets. It was the poor of the city to whom he had devoted his life that petitioned the Archbishop of Turin to begin his cause for canonization. The process began in 1932 and he was beatified in May 1990 by Pope John Paul II. The Church celebrates his feast day on July 4.
For more information on the life of Pier Giorgio Frassati and the continuation of his cause for canonization, please visit www.piergiorgiofrassati.org
