Wash Your Hands; Watch Your Mouth

So I was sitting on my patio the other day when the weather was nice and I overheard a random conversation from people in the area.  It wasn't pretty.  In fact, the language was so bad that I went back inside my house.

I get it.  Being cooped up with people whose quirks might become unbearable from time to time can try one's patience.  But there is always a place for civility - even in the midst of the loss of civil liberties.

Pier Giorgio was noted for this.  He made it a point to give a good example in all circumstances, as much as possible.  I was going to shorten the testimony that follows but I think every word of it reflects the character and demeanor of Pier Giorgio even from childhood.  These attributes have often been affirmed by so many people who regularly interacted with him. 

"I remember Pier Giorgio from when he was just a little boy.  He had an elegant way about him, he was courteous, refined, dignified and very modest.  He loved to remain in the background, that is to say he would in no way show off among his young friends, but at the same time he had a strong influence on them.  He spoke well and gave good advice, which he obviously left them.  His friends were heard to say that Pier Giorgio didn’t want them doing certain things, and they loved his friendship so much that they heeded him.  His strength of character and his purity were outstanding.  His language was very clean, demonstrating a sincere piety." - Father Giovanni Mensio, S.J.

It's really no surprise to hear him described this way.  His clean heart naturally guided his clean mouth. That is, the goodness and purity of his spirit would not have allowed profanities to leave his tongue.  Put a bit more succintly by Monsignor Giovanni Barale, "He never stooped to use any vulgar language."

Sure wish he lived around me.

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, defender of truth and virtue, pray for us.

Verso l'alto!  ///cmw