Scenarists: Marie and Olivier Malcurat Illustrator: Marco Greselin Colorist: Roberta Pusceddu TO THE HEIGHTS
3 To our children: Juliette, Pauline, Zélie, Louise, Gustave, Guillemette, and Joséphine To our godchildren: Rémi, Marguerite-Marie, Colombe, Danaël, Matthieu, Pierre, Augustin, Henri, Noé, Clémence, and Jehanne To all young people, heralds of the Gospel Marie and Olivier Malcurat Under the direction of Romain Lizé, President, Magnificat Editor, Magnificat: Isabelle Galmiche Editor, Ignatius: Vivian Dudro Translator: Magnificat . Ignatius Proofreader: Kathleen Hollenbeck Layout Designer: Gauthier Delauné Production: Thierry Dubus, Audrey Bord © 2024 Groupe Elidia - Plein Vent Éditions du Rocher, 98015 Monaco © 2025 by Magnificat, New York • Ignatius Press, San Francisco All rights reserved ISBN Magnificat 978-1-63967-118-2 • ISBN Ignatius Press 978-1-62164-802-4 Printed in January 2025 by Dimograf, Poland Job number MGN 25L0270 Printed in compliance with the Consumer Protection Safety Act, 2008 Faith is the only anchor . . . . . . and we must hold tightly to it. Without it, what would our lives be? Nothing, or rather, wasted.
4 5 Turin, Italy, July 4, 1925 Any news on how Frassati is doing? We were just talking about him. We met his sister last night. he's not feeling good at all; the end seems close. It's very difficult for him to breathe; he can't even get out of bed! This photo was taken last June on the seventh, at Lunelle di Lanzo. Barely a month ago. Look! He even wrote: “Verso l'alto.”* His eyes were already fixed on Heaven... can't believe he is leaving us! He's such a good man! And just a few days ago, we were sharing some laughs on his patron saint’s feast day.** You know how much Pier Giorgio loves his friends and cares about you. Let's pray for him! Hail, Mary, full of grace ... * To the heights ** June 29, Feast of Saints Peter and Paul * Italian newspaper founded in 1900 by Alfredo Frassati, who directed it until 1926. Alfredo Frassati was appointed senator in 1913. Pier Giorgio... He's dead! Let's go to his house! He was more than a friend; we're losing a brother! It's beyond belief. A few days ago, he was complaining of a toothache. Bertini, you even took him to the dentist. True; he couldn't keep still. He suspected muscular poisoning… … but it wasn't dental or muscular. The doctor diagnosed polio! Excuse me, gentlemen! We're looking for the home of Pier Giorgio Frassati— a tall, muscular, dark-haired young man. I think he lives ON this street... He comes to see us every Friday, but this morning he didn't show up. We're afraid something might have happened to him... We've just heard about his death. We’re on our way to his house. But... What's all this about? What a beautiful house! Pier Giorgio is the son of Alfredo Frassati, the founder of La Stampa.* His mother is a talented painter. He never told us.
6 7 There is such freshness in his face... He looks like an angel! I'm Umberto Leva, a journalist at La Stampa. I'm here to see Luciana Frassati. Please, come in. My brother loved photography. He took his camera everywhere... Pier Giorgio was born in Turin on April 6, 1901. Everyone called him Dodo. Even as a child, my brother helped the poor. One day, a woman in need knocked on our door. "Hello, ma’am, come in! I've got an idea! Take my socks… Here... so your child isn’t cold anymore! I'm writing a tribute to your brother. Would you tell me about him? Mrs. Frassati, we came here as soon as we heard the sad news… Good morning, gentlemen. Please, follow me to the living room. Luciana... I'll never be able to live without my brother... No visitors! Please respect our privacy. Mamma, you can't stop all these people from coming to see Pier Giorgio. He seemed to have been loved by so many! Gentlemen, please excuse my mother. Since this morning, we've had tons of visitors and numerous TELEGRAMS—EVEN FROM PEOPLE WE DON'T know!
8 9 While just a boy, during lunchtime at school… Pier Giorgio, no drama this time! Get in the canoe! But... Mamma, I... Luciana... Do something! What a coward! Have you ever seen such a scaredy-cat? AAAHHH! Helplessly, and full of fear, I watched my brother struggle not to sink! A few years later, knowing how to swim would come in very handy though. We used to go skating on Lake San Valentino. Grab my hand! I hope you won't get sick because of me! Don't worry. I'm strong! My brother was always so kind to others in need. Mateo is still all alone. My mother says not to go near him. He might be contagious. Thank you, Sister. What are you doing? Weren’t you told to stay away from me? I don't care. You're my friend, and that's all that matters! A spoon for you... a spoon for me! He was very gentle TOWARD others. But at home, life was hard. Make sure the children don't eat any sweets. Discipline is key. Give them vegetables, and fruit in small quantities; no cured meats or cakes. Don't give them this pastry you are making. Luciana and Dodo, come here! I'm very disappointed! You've both failed in school! For you, Luciana, there is still time to improve. But you, Pier Giorgio! You must catch up quickly. You need to take charge of the newspaper after I’m gone. Go put your swimming suits on. I'll take you out in the canoe. At your age, you need to know how to swim!
10 11 Good evening, Don Cojazzi.* Good evening, young friend. Let’s not waste time; we've got work to do! Let's get back to your writing exercises ... You need to be more creative when you write! I like writing to my friends, but I’m no good at assignments. Turin, a few months later Pier Giorgio, loving God is great. But don't show it too much. You know Mamma doesn't like it. I'm not trying to upset her! And I have the feeling that she will soon let me go to Mass every day! Whoa, Parsifal! Pollone, Italy, a few months later Don’t worry. You’ll get better. An hour later Thanks for your help; I've learned a lot! Could you tell me something about Jesus now? During the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus broke the bread, saying: “Take and eat, this is my body.” See, in the Holy Mass, Christ is present at the altar, and he gives himself to us... June 19, 1911 Corpus Christi. Amen! * A Salesian priest who gave evening classes to Pier Giorgio and Luciana Frassati
"We could meet at the top of the mountain.”* After being buried in Pollone, Pier Giorgio's body was exhumed and found intact. It now rests in a chapel on the left side of Saint John Cathedral in Turin. “Get to know [Pier Giorgio]! The life of this ‘normal’ young man shows that we can be holy by living our friendships, studies, sports and service to the poor in a constant relationship with God.”* Pope John Paul II declared Pier Giorgio Blessed and Patron Saint of Athletes on May 20, 1990. He was canonized by Pope Francis in 2025. *Letter to Laura, January 22, 1925 ** Saint John Paul II, Rome, April 5, 2001
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