Even though I am no longer consider a "young" person, I I feel that Bl. Pier Giorgio is an inspirational role model for all people, especially Lay Dominicans. He showed us how we can assist the poor and marginalized around us. The more I read about his life the more I become inspired to be more active in areas of social justice.
As a Lay Dominican, I hoped that during 2014 celebration of the Lay Dominicans during the 9 Year Novena leading to the 2016 800th Jubilee Celebration of the Founding of the Order of Preachers that Bl. Pier Giorgio would be canonized as a tribute to his being a Lay Dominican. I had the same hope during the 2016 Jubilee year.
It is essential that the young people have a saint who resembles them, lived like they do, and had same modern day struggles they have. He went to school like they do. He socialized with his friends. He always found time for God even with his busy social life. His life can inspire to spread their love God to all those around them, especially the poor and marginalized.
He is an example of the Catholic which Pope Francis asks us to be in EVANGELII GAUDIUM, his homilies, his General Audiences, and his example of how to live as a Catholic in this world. At the Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment, the announcement of his canonization would be blessed proclamation for all the young people, the young at heart, and Lay Dominicans. May the Holy Spirit inspire encourage the canonization of Bl. Pier Giorgio's canonization.
-Jo Ann