The Frassati Field Guide: A DIY Retreat with the Church’s Newest (Soon-to-be) Saint

Part biography, part retreat, Bobby Angel’s new book makes holiness feel as attainable as the next hike.

The Frassati Field Guide by Bobby Angel is out now, published by Ave Maria Press. Available wherever you purchase your books! (Photos courtesy of Ave Maria Press)

By Ryan Brady

In a world overflowing with self-help books and a new lengthy spiritual treatise every month, Bobby Angel's The Frassati Field Guide: An 8-Day Retreat with Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati emerges as a refreshing, pocket-sized connection to one of the Church’s newest saints.

Published by Ave Maria Press in July 2025, the year of his canonization, this concise 128-page book distills the life and virtues of soon-to-be St. Pier Giorgio Frassati — an early 20th-century Italian layman known for his joyful faith, love of the outdoors and service to the poor — into an actionable "do-it-yourself" retreat. Angel, a Catholic speaker, author and podcaster, crafts a guide that's as practical as a trail map, mixing biography, reflection prompts, prayers and challenges to help readers emulate Frassati's path to holiness. It's a timely offering for young adults and seekers alike, proving that sanctity isn't reserved for cloistered saints but thrives in everyday adventures.

The book's structure is its standout feature: eight themed days, each drawing from Frassati's life to explore virtues like joy, friendship and detachment. Day 1 introduces his story, while subsequent days delve into his love for mountains, family dynamics and radical generosity, culminating in a call "verso l'alto" (to the heights). Angel's writing is engaging and accessible, peppered with Scripture, quotes from Frassati and modern analogies that make the saint feel like he’s on the trail — whether in Colorado or another mountainous spot — with you rather than a distant historical figure. Themes of embracing discomfort, prioritizing Christ amid the world's busyness and finding God in nature resonate deeply, especially in our convenience-driven age.

What prompted Angel to pen this guide? In a recent interview, he shared, "I was in discussion with my editor at Ave Maria Press, and while throwing the ball back-and-forth about potential next projects, Frassati's name came up. There are many great biographies about his life, including a few written by his own sister. We envisioned a concise 'field guide,' something that aesthetically would feel like a resource you'd pick up at an REI camp shop, but be an action-oriented resource to help a person learn an overview of Frassati's story and put his virtues into action. It's structured as an 8-day 'do it yourself' retreat."

This vision shines through, with the book's design evoking outdoor gear catalogs — complete with checklists and "gear up" sections — making it both visually appealing and user-friendly.

Saints often find their way to us rather unexpectedly, and for Angel, this book is founded in his own devotion to the “Man of the Beattitudes.” When asked about his relationship with Frassati, he noted, "Yes, I have long admired the mountain-top portraits and joy that Frassati exhibited. I learned of his story in my 20s, and his pursuit of holiness in the world (in his studies, play and service) inspired me. I had more icons and images of Frassati around my house than I realized when I started the book!"

This enthusiasm infuses the text, particularly in his favorite sections.

"Day 2, titled 'The Mountains Are Calling,' was the first chapter I wrote and gets to the heart of Frassati's engagement with God's creation and what the mountains represented for him," Angel explained. "But I was also moved by Day 5, which explores Frassati's devotion to friends and his family, particularly the toll it took on him to honor his parents, who weren't always supportive of his radical faith."

These chapters stand out for their emotional depth, blending historical anecdotes with prompts that encourage readers to reflect on their own relationships and callings.

Frassati's influence on Angel is palpable and extends to readers as well.

"In our modern age of 'plenty,' we can all become too accustomed to our creature comforts — instant streaming, same-day shipping or luxury travel," Angel reflected. "Though from a wealthy home, Frassati always selected the lowest travel class on the Italian trains, he would give away his possessions frequently to the poor (including the shoes on his feet) and would sometimes spend the night in Adoration before a rigorous hike. His example challenges me whenever I feel too attached to my conveniences or feel 'too busy' to pray."

This personal testimony mirrors the book's call to action, urging detachment and openness to "interruptions" as opportunities for grace.

Beyond the individual, Angel has witnessed Frassati's broader impact.

"There are so many college and young adult groups that take Frassati as their patron because of his dynamic 'yes' to life while also keeping Christ first. He was a layman in the world; he wasn't married or a priest, and so for many people struggling in that vocational 'limbo' of young adulthood, Frassati is a powerful reminder to us that you can still be a saint in the here and now,” Angel shared. “I've met people with miraculous stories of healing and credit it to Frassati's intercession. I've also felt his presence upon this particular book project. It came together fairly easily while writing it, and I believe he guided this project to completion."

Such stories underscore the guide's potential to foster devotion and even intercession.

Ultimately, Angel hopes readers "are introduced to or learn more about the life of this strapping Italian man who is interceding for us and will soon be recognized in our Church as an official 'saint.' In writing this DIY retreat based on his life, I wanted to do right by Frassati, which ultimately meant pointing people to Jesus Christ, the source and summit of Frassati's strength."

The Frassati Field Guide achieves this beautifully, serving as an invigorating spiritual workout that's equal parts biography and blueprint for living. Ideal for retreats, youth groups or personal reflection, it's a must-read for anyone looking “to the heights.”