Frassati died a young man, just 24. He was adventurous, strong, God-centred, and, as we heard last night, considered “dreamy” by the ladies. From a wealthy family, he gave his time and money to the poor in a quiet way – the poor did not know he was rich; the rich did not know he lived his life for the poor. And in his care and concern for the sick and homeless, Frassati became sick himself, contracting the polio which would lead to his death. But it was not a man who died young that we celebrated last night, but a man who was, in a very faithful way, independent. He did not allow the ideas and thoughts of those around him to become his own, but lived a life contrary to what was expected of his wealthy and powerful family. He gathered strength from and was motivated by the source of God alone and is honoured by young people around the world who long to have the faith of Frassati.
What a privilege, then, to celebrate the courage and determination and faithful independence of this young man in his very presence.
(And in the category of “Isn’t it Funny Who You Will Run Into While Praying With Frassati,” look who we met up with!! It’s Liz Flynn, from England, who worked on staff for World Youth Day in Toronto. Lovely then, lovely now, Liz is a member of the Marian Community of Reconciliation and just arrived today. She will be hanging out in the Vocations Expo during WYD, representing her community. What a fun surprise to see her in the pew beside us, to turn to her, and without a word from either of us, to smile, laugh, and hug a not-forgotten friend from six years ago.)
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