Relics of Blessed Frassati

For as long as I have been involved with promoting the cause of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, the most often asked questions are about relics: Are there relics of Blessed Frassati? Can I get one? How?  The answers are: yes, yes and keep reading.

First, the whole topic of relics really requires more of a discussion than this blog will cover.  I'm no theologian but plenty of experts have explained the Catholic understanding of relics from early Christianity until the present day.  Here's a sample tract from Catholic Answers that addresses several important points.  If you have problems with the mere existence of relics or superstitious beliefs about them or a fascination with collecting them, I suggest doing some research and reading to better understand Church teaching.

Next, there is the distinction between first, second and third-class relics.  I've heard a lot of debate over what constitutes a third-class relic and I've even heard people talk about fourth class relics.  This article is one of many that contains the most accepted description of each class.

So, what's the story with Frassati relics?  When Pier Giorgio died in 1925, his body was placed in a wooden coffin and eventually into the Frassati family crypt in Pollone.  As his canonization cause progressed, his body was exhumed for verification of the existence of relics, according to long-established Church practice.  This took place in 1981. As we know, he was found to be perfectly incorrupt.  For this and other reasons, no first-class relics were taken.  Years later, the family was permitted to obtain some hair of Blessed Frassati when his coffin was again opened.  If anyone claims to have first-class relics of him, other than that, it simply is not true. 

Likewise, third-class relics also have never been produced.  Although I have seen several of these being sold on eBay, I really don't know how they can be authentic.  Buy at your own risk.

Any legitimate, authentic relic of Blessed Frassati is a second-class relic.  There are two "official types" that I am aware of - one made available privately and one made available publicly. 

The first is a piece of linen from the bed where Pier Giorgio died. Each small square has been sewn onto a holy card printed in Italian and verified by the vice-postulator in 1932. These were placed into circulation by the family of Pier Giorgio through private channels.  If you are blessed to have one, it is a special treasure. 

More recently, another type of second-class relic was made available to the general public.  These are actual particles of the original coffin that held the incorrupt body of Blessed Frassati from 1925 until 2008.  That year, his body was taken to Sydney, Australia for World Youth Day and a new travel-worthy coffin was required.  The family provided a portion of the original coffin to Dominican nuns at a monastery in Rome.  They prepare the round thecas (pictured above) along with the official certification of the relic.  (Another monastery also has permission to prepare these same relics but they strictly require proof that the request is being made with the local bishop's approval.)  Click here for details on how to obtain these relics.

Personally, I have mixed feelings on individuals obtaining relics.  The reliquary pictured above is mine. It holds a second-class relic of Blessed Frassati along with first-class relics of Sts. Dominic and Catherine of Siena.  I often bring it to public presentations for veneration.  As you can imagine, it is quite the treasure.  Considering the difficulty of obtaining first and second-class relics, I have always advocated for making third-class relics of Blessed Frassati available.  So far, this hasn't happened.  On the other hand, I have often seen a borderline obsession for relics that doesn't seem spiritually healthy.  My email inbox is proof of this and it has gotten to the point where I simply delete these requests. 

One last thought, when Pier Giorgio's sister Luciana was asked if she prayed to her brother for things, she was known to reply, "No. He's my brother. I just tell him what to do."  Being his sister, she had the confidence that he would act on her behalf.  As he is our brother in Christ and our beloved friend, our prayers should reflect that same confidence.  Sacramentals have their place.  But faith is what moves mountains. 

Blessed Pier Giorgio, conqueror of life's mountains, pray for us.

Verso l'alto!  ///cmw