Corpse of dead Catholic arrives in Australia ahead of Pope
Pastor Dale Morgan
*Corpse of dead Catholic arrives in Australia ahead of Pope*
June 27, 2008 07:41pm
Article from: AAP
THE rotting corpse of an inspirational Catholic who died in 1925 has
arrived in Sydney for World Youth Day.
The recently dug up body of Pier Giorgio Frassati, who was beatified in
1990 by Pope John Paul II, has been transported from the Turin Cathedral
to Sydney following a farewell mass.
Mr Frassati was only 24 when, after a one-week illness, he died of polio.
He became a role model for young Catholics because of his fervent faith
and sunny nature and was noted for his charity.
At his funeral the poor turned out in force, beginning a devotion that
has spread around the world.
On Wednesday at 12pm (AEST) his corpse will be transported to St
Benedict's Church in Chippendale in inner Sydney where it will remain in
the church for veneration until July 10.
The following Thursday his body will be moved to St Mary's Cathedral for
a pilgrimage.
The coffin will remain on display in the cathedral until July 22.
The transportation of his remains was organised by Sydney Archbishop
George Pell and World Youth Day co-ordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher in
conjunction with the Vatican Council for the Causes of Saints.
A possible road to sainthood has been propelled by a vigorous campaign
by Mr Frassati's sister, Luciana, who wrote books about him.
It is the first time the body of Mr Frassati has visited Australia.