Story by Mary Kroner
LINCOLN (SNR) – Founded in 2014, the Frassati Society of Lincoln strives to imitate the spirit of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati as an authentically joyful, passionately Catholic, young adult community growing together in fellowship and spiritual formation in Lincoln.
Father Nicholas Kipper, co-chaplain of the Frassati Society, said the saint for whom the organization is named is a powerful role model for members.
“Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati is a fitting patron of this young adult group because he was a young man who died at a young age and used his short time in this world to build relationships to grow in love of Christ and his neighbor,” said Father Kipper. “He was an athlete and adventurer, who loved the life that God gave him, but intentionally directed his actions toward eternal life.”
The goal of the Frassati Society of Lincoln is to stimulate social, intellectual, and spiritual growth for young adult Catholics through faith formation and social events year-round. Some of the group’s activities include Holy Hours, lake days, sports, bible studies, and service projects.
Frassati has the support of Bishop James Conley and other clergy and religious in the diocese who regularly attend the events.
Anna Meduna, parishioner at North American Martyrs Parish in Lincoln and one of four social chairs for the Frassati Board, explained that Frassati is an important organization for young adults primarily because of the community it builds.
“I think it is so easy to feel alone after college and unsure of where to even go to meet other young Catholics,” said Meduna. “As young adults, we need other young adults mirroring to us what it looks like to live our walk with Christ, specifically as Catholics, in a practical way,”
Every third Thursday of each month, Frassati offers an opportunity for young adults to renew their heart and life in the Lord at Frassati “Basecamp.”
Participants spend time with the Lord in Adoration and have the opportunity to go to Confession. Following this period of prayer is time for fellowship.
“It’s a great time to meet new people or catch up with friends. Many times this involves card games or outdoors backyard fun. The idea behind Basecamp is to come “back to base”—to have the opportunity at least once in the month to intentionally recharge spiritually and also connect with community in a laid-back atmosphere.” said Meduna.
Frassati not only impacts the individuals who participate in the events, but also strengthens the Lincoln community as a whole.
Reflecting on Frassati from a wider perspective, Meduna said, “I have seen that strong individuals are formed from having strong relationships, and then they go and cultivate strong relationships and community in the future, that in turn bear strong individuals and so on.”
To find out more about the Frassati Society, or to join the email list, visit http://www.frassatilincoln.com/keep-in-touch.html.
Who was Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati?
by Mary Kroner
(SNR) –Born in 1901, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati was a fun-loving, athletic, courageous and devout Catholic born in Turin, Italy into a prominent Italian family. 
From an early age, Frassati was known for his deeply profound spiritual life, which manifested in his works of charity. At the age of 17, he joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society and dedicated much of his spare time to serving the sick and needy.
He was quoted saying, “What wealth it is to be in good health, as we are! But we have the duty of putting our health at the service of those who do not have it. To act otherwise would be to betray that gift of God.”
Frassati’s faith also manifested in political activism against Fascists in Italy during World War I. He joined the Catholic Student Federation and the Popular Party, a political organization that promoted Catholic Church teachings. He also helped establish a Catholic daily newspaper based on the principles of Pope St. Leo XIII’s encyclical on social matters, Rerum Novarum.
His openness about his faith deeply influenced the spiritual lives of his friends and fellow students. In her biography of her brother, Luciana Frassati said, “He represented the finest in Christian youth: pure, happy, enthusiastic about everything that is good and beautiful.”
Frassati was also an avid outdoorsman and loved hiking, riding horses, skiing, and mountain climbing.
He once said, “Every day, my love for the mountains grows more and more. If my studies permitted, I’d spend whole days in the mountains contemplating the Creator’s greatness in that pure air.”
In 1925, Frassati contracted polio and died on July 4 at the young age of 24.
The streets of the city were lined with thousands of mourners for his funeral. Most of them were the poor and needy whom he had served so unselfishly. It was these people who petitioned the Archbishop of Turin to begin Frassati’s cause for canonization.
He was beatified in 1990 by Pope St. John Paul II and named “The Man of the Eight Beatitudes.” His feast day is celebrated on the Fourth of July.
Frassati‘s mortal remains were found incorrupt in 1981 and are now kept in the Cathedral of Turin.
During his earthly life, Frassati touched the lives of countless people. Today, his philosophy of life and following exhortation serves as a model for all modern-day Catholics.
“Modern society is drowning in the sorrows of human passions and it is distancing itself from every ideal of love and peace. Catholics, we and you, must bring the breath of goodness that can only spring from faith in Christ.”
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Pray for Us!
