Testimony of Sara H. from USA

When I was in college, I was diagnosed with depression and began experiencing severe anxiety that was often triggered by talk about vocations. At the end of the school year, a sister introduced me to Bl. Pier Giorgio to help me understand our first vocation, to love God. That summer, I felt like Bl. Pier Giorgio was stalking me, and in the best possible way. I met a gal who was reading the book about him that was recommended to me. At the time, I was petrified, quite literally, about "God's will" and my vocation. I didn't understand how a relationship with God looked and could only think about my vocation in pragmatic terms. A lot of wounds, a lot of knots and unhealthy thought patterns...it left me fearing to listen to God in prayer! For some reason, Bl. Pier Giorgio did not scare me, although learning about the lives of many other saints did. He seemed so normal, so ordinary, so approachable. I was open just enough to read a book about his life and the Holy Spirit healed my heart in many ways as I got to know Bl. Pier, and learned about friendship with God, especially with Jesus in the Eucharist. I went from fearing prayer to spending time, even if it was just sitting, in the chapel with Jesus. The lies were undone, I made friends with other ladies who also were struggling with mental illness, and realized I was not alone, and just how much God loved me as I began to see him at work in my life. And of course Bl. Pier Giorgio kept popping up. I continue to turn to him and feel a special friendship with him as I continue my journey of living life to the full. He was the first saint who helped me understand and experience friendship with God, and continues to do so. It has been foundational to my spiritual growth. Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us!

-Sara