Since his death in 1925, Pier Giorgio Frassati has interceded for many from heaven.
In 2011, a young man named Kevin Becker fell off a roof and shattered his skull in five places. He was initially given a 30% chance of survival, and if he did survive he would be vegetative and paralyzed. On the fifth day after the injury, Kevin’s condition had plummeted. The doctors explained to his mother that their only option would be to place him in a deeper coma, in the hopes it would reduce brain pressure. The chances of the procedure working and Kevin exiting the coma were near impossible — his survival was left in the hope of a miracle.
Kevin's cousin had heard about Pier Giorgio Frassati and his life of masculine holiness. His cousin placed an image of Frassati in the hospital room and the family began a novena. On day 1 of the novena, Kevin stabilized. On day 3, he opened his eyes. By day 13, he was released from the ICU, walking and talking — he who, a little more than a week earlier, was expected to be perpetually comatose, at best. The doctors were dumbfounded; even then, talk circulated about a miracle. Kevin was talking, too, though about an angel, not a miracle.
In his comatose state, Kevin recalled waking up in what appeared to be his college house. There was, however, one large difference — a man whom Kevin had never met before. “I’m your new roommate,” Kevin recalled the man saying, whom he later described as an angel. “My name is George.” With George’s help, Kevin went about putting his house in order — building furniture, painting walls, and other moving activities. During breaks, he and George would play some video games. All of this happened in what Kevin described as one unending day — a day that slowly drove Kevin stir-crazy. He attempted to leave the house but was stopped by George. “I will let you know when it is safe to leave.”
The next thing Kevin remembers is waking up at the hospital, unsure where he was or how he got there. He was out of the coma, stable, and on his way back to full and miraculous health. The doctors were astounded, but to Kevin it all made sense — he had been accompanied by his angel, George, about whom he spoke incessantly to both his mother and younger brother. Kevin continued discussion of this angel who had accompanied him throughout his recovery, which spurred a thought in his mother’s mind.
“Finally, I kind of thought about it, and I thought of Pier Giorgio,” Jeanmarie Becker said. “And I said to Kevin, ‘Kev, if I showed you a picture of this angel, do you think you could put a face to it?’ ” She found the image of Frassati, the one that had been placed in the ICU unit, and showed it to Kevin for the first time.
Kevin immediately recognized "George." This identification solidified for both Kevin and his mother what many were already suspecting — Kevin’s miraculous healing came through the intercession of Pier Giorgio Frassati.
In thanksgiving for the miracle, Kevin and his mother now travel around the country — to parishes, schools, youth groups, anyone who will listen — to tell their story and spread devotion to Frassati.
On October 17, 2020, Kevin Becker spoke to the 5th-8th graders at St. Louise over Zoom. What a gift this was to hear about his miraculous experience! The students were intrigued and asked many questions about his life, his fall off the roof, his visions in a coma, and if George has appeared to him again. Kevin shared with us that he continues to feel a close connection to Pier Giorgio Frassati and assures us that Frassati eagerly awaits our prayers offered through his intercession.
Today, Kevin Becker lives a normal life free from any lasting injury. He even goes on 15-20 mile runs on occasion!
Kevin Becker speaking to St. Louise students.
Lots of questions from the students!