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With the canonization approaching for Pier Giorgio Frassati, I've been thinking about just how incredible this man was, and how influential he has been in my own faith life. This man made holiness look effortless while climbing mountains, serving the poor, and living with a joy that was contagious. The more I reminisce on his story, the more I emotional I get about his upcoming canonization. So without further ado, here are some of his most powerful quotes that we can actually apply to our messy, beautiful, complicated lives. The Guy Who Made Holiness Look Cool Picture this: It's the 1920s in Italy. Pier Giorgio is 24, comes from a wealthy family (his dad owned a major newspaper), loves mountain climbing, opera, and hanging out with friends. He's basically what we'd call the main character - except instead of using his privilege for Instagram-worthy content, he's out here quietly revolutionizing what it means to live for something bigger than yourself. His personal motto? "Verso l'Alto!" - which means "To the heights!" And no, he wasn't just talking about his love of mountain climbing (though he was seriously passionate about that). He was talking about constantly reaching higher spiritually, always pushing toward holiness & never settling for mediocrity. When Faith Meets Real Life Here's what I love most about Pier Giorgio - his faith wasn't some Sunday-only thing. This man understood that following Christ means your whole life gets turned upside down, in the best possible way. He joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society at a young age and became one of their most active members, spending his own money and time serving the poor. His friends used to joke that he gave away so much money he'd show up to hang out with holes in his shoes. But here's the thing - he wasn't doing to gain followers on Instagram or TikTok, or for any recognition. When he died of polio at 24, his wealthy family was shocked to see thousands of Turin's poor show up to his funeral. They had no idea how many lives their son had touched. Choosing Joy "A Catholic cannot help but be happy; sadness should be banished from their souls. Suffering is not sadness, which is the worst disease. This disease is almost always caused by atheism, but the end for which we are created guides us along life's pathway, which may be strewn with thorns, but is not sad. It is happy even through suffering." His joy was far from naïveté. He saw the brokenness of the world clearly; he experienced it thoroughly in his own suffering, as well as through witnessing the suffering of others close to him. He wrote about how ugly the world could be, how much suffering there was. But he chose joy anyway, because he knew where his story was heading. He said: "True happiness does not consist in the pleasures of this world, or in earthly things, but in peace of conscience, which we only have if we are pure of heart and mind." This man understood something we're all desperately searching for - that real fulfillment doesn't come from external validation, perfect circumstances, or even achieving all of our goals. It comes from living with integrity; from aligning our lives with God's love for us. Living Small, Thinking Big What tugs on my heart the most about Pier Giorgio is how he found God in the ordinary - in friendship, in nature, in simple acts of service. He wasn't trying to change the entire world overnight. He was just trying to love the people right in front of him really well. "Every day, my love for the mountains grows more and more. If my studies permitted, I'd spend whole days in the mountains contemplating the Creator's greatness in that pure air." (A man after my own heart!) It's so inspiring to hear about someone who found God in creation - who saw mountain climbing as a form of prayer. In our screen-heavy world, don't we all crave that kind of authenticity? The Saint We're About to Celebrate On September 7th, Pope Leo XIV will declare him a saint alongside Blessed Carlo Acutis (the first millennial Saint to be canonized! 🙌).  Pope John Paul II called Pier Giorgio "The Man of the Eight Beatitudes" and said he "testifies that holiness is possible for everyone." Not just for people in monasteries or with theology degrees - holiness is for each and every one of us trying to figure out how to live meaningfully in this challenging world. What This Means for Us So what does a 1920s Italian mountain-climber have to teach those of us trying to live authentically in 2025? Joy is a choice. Even when life is hard, even when the world feels broken, we can choose to live from a place of hope rather than despair. Small acts matter. You don't have to start a nonprofit or go viral to make a difference. Love the person in front of you. Give what you can. Show up consistently. Holiness isn't boring. Pier Giorgio lived more fully in his 24 years than most people do in 80. Adventure, friendship, purpose, service - faith enhances life, it doesn't diminish it. We're made for the heights of holiness. "Verso l'Alto!" isn't just a motto - it's an invitation. We don't have to settle for shallow living or getting by. We're called to something bigger, something beautiful, something that lasts. As Pier Giorgio himself said: "To live without faith, without a heritage to defend, without battling constantly for truth, is not to live but to 'get along'; we must never just 'get along'." Let's not just get by in this life; let's reach for the heights! Soon-to-be SAINT Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us! What's on your heart after reading about Pier Giorgio? Drop a 🏔️ in the comments if his story resonates with you, and tell me - what's one small way you want to live "verso l'alto" this week?Be sure to check out our updated best-selling Frassati tee to honor Frassati's promotion to Sainthood! (See our Frassati Collection here.)We use organic cotton for our apparel. See our FAQs here to see how we aim to implement Catholic Social Teaching (something Frassati lived out) and sustainability practices.Buy any of our organic cotton shirts & get a free Frassati organic cotton tote! (No code needed, just be sure to add tote to your cart.)

I am, sitting in my kitchen (which currently looks like a tornado hit it because this is my life right now as a mom), and I can't stop thinking about yesterday's 2nd reading, from Romans.You know how some Scripture passages just hit differently? No matter how many times you've heard it, it still has the ability to reach down into your chest & make you feel alive.That's Romans 5:1-5 for me. Every. Single. Time."Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ... we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint..." Paul is telling us to BOAST about our struggles. In a world that tells us to curate our lives into perfect little Instagram squares, here's St. Paul saying "Actually, talk about your hard stuff. Be proud of how it's shaping you."The world is constantly telling us not to get our hopes up.But our faith is encouraging us to do the exact opposite.This is actually why our "Get Your Hopes Up" tee exists.I know, hope can often feel like such a fluffy word; like something you slap on a coffee mug or cross-stitch onto a pillow. But biblical hope? That's different. That's not wishful thinking or “toxic positivity.” That's the deep, bone-level knowing that God is working all things together for good, even when (especially when) we can't see it.And if there was ever a time we needed that kind of hope, it's right now. We're living in this incredible Jubilee Year of Hope, amidst a divided Nation & war-ridden world, and I think God is inviting us into something really special. He's asking us to get our hopes up - not in our own abilities or the world's promises, but in His unfailing love that's been "poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit."Here's what I love about this passage though - it doesn't promise everything will be easy. It actually guarantees the opposite. But it also promises that our struggles have purpose. That the ordinary, messy, sometimes-really-hard parts of our lives are not obstacles to God's glory. They're the very places where His glory shows up most brilliantly. Our struggles are shaping us into who God has designed us to be. This is why we as Christians MUST get our hopes up.Because when we cling to the virtue of hope, it truly does not disappoint.(And neither does wearing a soft organic cotton tee that reminds you of this truth every time you put it on - just saying 😉)What's one area where you need to "get your hopes up" today?   

At Dappled Glory, we believe in caring for God's creation by practicing sustainability wherever we can—including the simple act of caring for the clothes you love. Here's why the detergent you choose can make or break your favorite pieces. I used to be that person wandering the laundry aisle, enchanted by "Spring Meadow" and "Ocean Breeze" scents, thinking stronger fragrance meant cleaner clothes. It never occurred to me that those intoxicating smells might be slowly destroying my favorite garments—and potentially harming my family's health. Over the past ten years, I'd heard snippets about conventional laundry detergents being problematic—hormone disruptors, respiratory irritants, skin sensitizers. And while I was initially drawn to finding a better solution for health reasons, I discovered the added bonus of true fabric care. Here's what I discovered: the detergent you choose doesn't just clean your clothes—it determines how long they'll look and feel their best. Why Your Premium Pieces Deserve Better Than Conventional Detergent The Hidden Damage to Your Investment When you choose quality apparel—whether it's our signature organic cotton pieces at Dappled Glory or any premium brand—you're making an investment. But conventional detergents actively work against that investment through harsh chemicals that weaken fibers, fade colors, and shorten garment lifespan. The optical brighteners in mainstream detergents don't actually clean—they deposit fluorescent particles that create artificial brightness while building up residue over time. Those bleaching agents that promise whiter whites? They're literally breaking down your fabric's molecular structure with every wash. The Health Connection Premium apparel often sits closest to your skin, which makes what you wash it with even more important. Synthetic fragrances containing phthalates, VOCs that trigger respiratory issues, and the presence of 1,4-dioxane (a known carcinogen) mean your "freshly washed" clothes could be continuously exposing you to harmful chemicals throughout the day. For those investing in organic or eco-friendly clothing, using conventional detergents defeats the purpose entirely. My Journey to Find the Perfect Premium Apparel Care After trying various "eco-friendly" alternatives that either didn't clean effectively or still contained questionable ingredients, I discovered something that changed everything: enzyme-based technology that actually outperforms conventional detergents while being gentler on fabrics. The breakthrough came with this Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergent, which uses proprietary Phytolase® technology—advanced bioenzymes that target stains and odors at the molecular level. Why This Matters for Your Premium Pieces Fabric Longevity: The enzyme technology is so gentle that it actually extends clothing lifespan. My favorite pieces—especially our premium organic cotton collection—maintain their color, texture, and shape significantly longer. True Cleaning Power: Unlike harsh chemicals that damage while cleaning, these enzymes break down stains completely without compromising fabric integrity. That set-in stain that seemed permanent? Soak it in the booster before putting it in the washing machine, then watch it disappear. Preserving Investment: When you're spending more on quality pieces, you want them to look their best for years. This approach protects your investment while delivering superior cleaning.Sustainable Practices That Align: Dirty Labs’ commitment to sustainability matches the values behind premium, conscious apparel choices. Their bottles are made from 73% recycled aluminum and take up 50% less space than traditional containers. The measuring cups are crafted from BPA-free silicone that you can toss right in the wash, ensuring zero waste. Plus, they’re the only laundry detergent that’s EPA Safer Choice certified, EWG Verified, USDA Biobased, and accepted by the National Eczema Association—all while being cruelty-free and vegan. Concentrated Formula: Just 2 teaspoons per load versus the half-cup of conventional detergent means better value and less packaging waste—perfect for the conscious consumer. TLDR; The Perfect Match for Premium Apparel Care At Dappled Glory, this is exactly what we personally use and recommend for caring for our premium organic cotton pieces with non-toxic, biodegradable inks. When you're investing in quality, sustainable apparel, you deserve a detergent that matches those same values. For our customers, I specifically recommend: Signature scent (magnolia, bergamot, cedar) for everyday pieces Free & Clear formula for sensitive skin or those who prefer unscented Bio Enzyme Booster for any tough stains on your favorite garments The Bottom Line Choosing premium apparel is about more than just looking good—it's about investing in pieces that bring joy, last longer, and align with your values. The detergent you choose should support that investment, not undermine it. When you're ready to give your wardrobe the care it deserves, you can find Dirty Labs products here on Amazon. And when you're ready to add pieces worth caring for to your collection, explore our latest premium organic cotton designs that are made to be loved and worn for years to come.. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use and love. 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I never imagined a papal conclave would stir up my faith in profound ways, but the election of Pope Leo XIV has woken this part of me that I am still trying to make sense of.Sooo..here are a few reasons, just one week into Pope Leo's papacy, to love Pope Leo XIV. 1. A Historic First: An American Shepherd for the Universal Church It was such a surprise to hear an American name read aloud in Latin, and then seeing Cardinal Robert Prevost, a man from Chicago's South Side, emerge as the first American pontiff in history. (That's 2,000 years of Catholic history!) When that white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney last week, and as every single Catholic across the globe watched in anticipation, for over an hour, to see who this new shepherd would be, I don't think any of us had a kid from Chicago in mind. For the first time, the shepherd of our global Church speaks with an accent that is not foreign to me. The excitement I feel about this historic moment is in no way about nationalism—but more so about feeling seen; that God has His eye on America, just as He has with the rest of the world. And while the pope is in no way a political figure, I do feel this sense of relief knowing that there is now a leader (who happens to be American), elected by the Holy Spirit, not by man, who can be used to bring unity, peace and ultimately Christ to an America, and ultimately a world, so in need.  2. Christ's Own Greeting: "Peace Be With All of You" I huddled around the tv with my three kiddos, watching as this humble man stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica waiting to hear what his first words would be. As a devoted child of JPII's papacy "Be not afraid" still echos within my way of life, so I was eager to hear what this new start would bring. His first words? "Peace be with all of you!" These weren't just any words—they echoed Christ's own greeting to the disciples after His resurrection, and it was intentional. Peace be with all of you. What a beautiful way to begin a papacy: with the peace of Christ. 3. A Unifying Motto: "In Illo Uno Unum" His chosen papal motto, "In illo uno unum" – "In the One, we are one" – speaks volumes about his vision. Unity in Christ. Coming together despite our differences. Finding common ground in our shared faith, and in our shared humanity. How desperately our world needs this message today! The division within our Church, within America, and within the world and sometimes feel overwhelming. I pray this motto can infiltrate into our Church, our country and our world, but all the more in my own life, so as to bear witness to my family & all those I encounter. 4. A Bridge Between Cultures Having served both in American parishes and as a missionary in Peru for decades, Pope Leo XIV understands the Church from multiple perspectives. This isn't just theoretical knowledge—it's lived experience among diverse communities of faith. In a global Church, his multicultural background feels like exactly what we need right now.  5. A Meaningful Name Choice His selection of "Leo" connects him to Leo XIII, a pope known for engaging with modern society through compassion and intellectual rigor. Our new Pope seems poised to continue that legacy while bringing his unique perspective as both American-born and globally experienced. Names matter in our tradition, and this choice suggests a thoughtful approach to leading the Church in complex times. As of today, (May 15) he has clarified that one of the leading reasons he chose the name Leo was because Leo XIII led the Church through the time of the Industrial Revolution, and that with the dawn of AI, we could use the same shepherding.  6. A Reminder That God Works Through the Ordinary Having grown up Catholic, volunteering in my share of youth programs, and later serving as a missionary in Africa & New York City, Catholicism has always been my spiritual home. Now, with Pope Leo XIV, there's a deeper appreciation for how God works through ordinary people. Through a boy who grew up in Chicago, becoming a priest known as "Fr. Bob." Through someone who understands the unique challenges and blessings of American Catholicism. His life reminds me that God still uses ordinary people for extraordinary callings. 7. A Beacon of Hope in Divided Times During my years abroad, I always found solace in knowing that no matter where I wandered, Mass would feel familiar. It didn't matter if it was spoken in a language I didn't understand, I still understood the heart of what was taking place. Now Pope Leo XIV embodies this universal yet personal nature of our faith, as Americans. In these divided times, he reminds us of the power of simple acts of faith, humble service, and bridges built between cultures. His election feels like the Holy Spirit's gentle nudge, reminding us that God works through all peoples, all cultures, all backgrounds. So today, I'm wearing my faith with renewed pride. And if you want to proudly echo the Pope's motto in your own life, check out our Pope Leo collection - featuring our organic cotton  tees with his motto as well as fun children's tees inspired by his fierce name! 🦁 as well as a keepsake candle to remind you to pray for him as he carries the weight of Christ's Church.

In these profound days following Easter, as the global Catholic community mourns the loss of our beloved Pope Francis and awaits in prayerful anticipation for what comes next, I find myself reflecting deeply on a quote that has long sustained the faithful through periods of uncertainty: "We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!" These powerful words, famously shared by Pope St. John Paul II during his 1986 visit to Australia, capture the essential nature of our Catholic identity. Though often associated with the Easter season, John Paul II actually spoke these words in November, reminding us that this Easter identity transcends seasonal celebrations—it defines who we are year-round as followers of Christ. The Eternal Hope of Easter What does it mean to be "Easter people" in times of grief and uncertainty? At its core, being Easter people means we live our entire lives in the light of the Resurrection. When Pope St. John Paul II shared these words, he acknowledged the reality of suffering: "We do not pretend that life is all beauty. We are aware of darkness and sin, of poverty and pain. But we know Jesus has conquered sin and passed through his own pain to the glory of the Resurrection."  This truth feels particularly resonant now as we witness the Church's transition following Pope Francis's passing. Even as we mourn, we stand firmly in the knowledge that Christ has conquered death itself. The death and funeral of a pope—like all Christian funerals—is not merely an ending but a profound testament to our Easter faith that death does not have the final word. Meeting Glory in the Ordinary Our shop's tagline—"meet the glory in the ordinary"—aligns beautifully with this Easter perspective. The Resurrection transforms how we see everything, revealing divine glory hidden within the fabric of everyday life. Even in mundane moments and difficult transitions, the light of Easter allows us to perceive deeper meaning and transcendent beauty. This understanding transforms how we approach life's challenges. When we truly live as Easter people: - We face grief with the certainty of hope- We encounter change with trust in God's providence- We find meaning in suffering by uniting it with Christ's own passion- We discover joy not despite our difficulties, but sometimes because of how they draw us closer to the risen Lord Pope Francis: A Witness to Easter Joy Our late Holy Father Pope Francis embodied this Easter spirit throughout his pontificate. Even during his final illness, his witness reminded us that suffering united with Christ becomes a pathway to deeper communion with God. Throughout his ministry, Pope Francis consistently directed our attention to seeing Christ in the ordinary—in the poor, the marginalized, the forgotten. His life and death now join the great testimony of faith that forms the Church's continued witness to resurrection. As we pray for him and for the Church in this time of transition, we carry forward the Easter proclamation that has sustained believers for two millennia.    Living as Easter People in Uncertain Times As we navigate these days of waiting and prayer for the Church, how might we more intentionally live as Easter people? 1. Cultivate joy that transcends circumstances: Easter joy isn't shallow happiness but a deep-seated conviction that God's love prevails over all. 2. Embrace hope as our defining outlook: In a world quick to despair, our unwavering hope stands as a powerful testimony. 3. Practice resurrection living: Seek opportunities daily to choose life, renewal, and redemption in your interactions and decisions.  4. Let "Alleluia" be your song: Even—perhaps especially—in life's darkest moments, praise becomes our most powerful act of faith.  Carrying Easter in Our Hearts and Homes At Dappled Glory, our mission is to provide premium apparel and essentials that inspire and uplift—tangible reminders of the Easter reality that permeates all of life. Each product is designed to help you "meet the glory in the ordinary" moments of your day. In times of transition and uncertainty, surrounding ourselves with visible reminders of our Easter identity becomes especially meaningful. Whether through artwork bearing the words "We are an Easter people," or clothing that subtly witnesses to the joy of resurrection, what we choose to wear and display can strengthen our own faith while opening conversations with others. Standing in Eternal Hope As the Church gathers in prayer during this time of transition, we stand together as Easter people, confident that the same Christ who conquered death continues to guide His Church. We honor Pope Francis's memory best by living with the same Easter hope that animated his ministry. Let us, then, live boldly as people of the Resurrection—letting our Alleluias ring out not just in our words, but in our actions, our choices, and the love we extend to one another. For truly, we are an Easter people, and even in times of uncertainty and grief, Alleluia remains our song. --- We know Jesus has conquered sin and passed through his own pain to the glory of the Resurrection. And we live in the light of his Paschal Mystery — the mystery of his Death and Resurrection. 'We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!'" — Pope St. John Paul II --- Discover our collection at [dappledglory.com](https://dappledglory.com) and carry the joy of the Resurrection with you every day.

Finding Glory in Holy Week: Embracing Sacred Moments in Everyday Life As we enter Holy Week, that sacred time between Palm Sunday and Easter morning, many of us find ourselves caught in the familiar tension: how do we honor this significant spiritual season while navigating our everyday responsibilities? At Dappled Glory, we believe that encountering the Divine doesn't only happen at Tritium services—it happens in the ordinary moments that fill our days. The Sacred in the Everyday Holy Week invites us to slow down and recognize God's presence in unexpected places. Whether you're preparing a family meal, enjoying a quiet cup of coffee before dawn, or taking a moment to breathe deeply during a hectic workday, these "dappled moments" contain their own kind of glory. The most profound spiritual encounters often happen when we're just living our lives—when we're present enough to notice them. This notion inspired our "Meet the Glory in the Ordinary" motto, designed to remind you of the sacred potential in every moment.  Practical Ways to Embrace Holy Week Create Meaningful Spaces Your environment shapes your experience. Consider creating a small sacred space in your home with our Dappled Light candle or Quiet Morning mug. These simple elements can transform an ordinary corner into a place of reflection, prayer, or meditation during Holy Week.  Dress with Intention What we wear affects how we feel and move through the world. Our tees and hoodies aren't just comfortable—they're designed with subtle reminders of beauty and purpose etched into every design. Wearing something that quietly affirms your faith can ground you throughout the day. Small Rituals, Profound Impact Simple practices like lighting a candle before dinner, writing in a gratitude journal, or wearing something meaningful can connect you to the season's significance. Finding Community in Individual Practice Though our spiritual journeys are personal, they're enriched by community. Share how you're experiencing Holy Week with loved ones, whether virtually or in person. Our Connection Cards offer thoughtful prompts for meaningful conversation about faith, doubt, wonder, and hope. Embracing Imperfection Holy Week reminds us that transformation often comes through struggle and imperfection. The path from Palm Sunday to Easter includes Gethsemane and Golgotha—places of doubt, fear, and grief. Our Dappled Glory philosophy embraces this reality: true glory is often found in imperfect, everyday moments rather than curated perfection. Moving Forward As we journey through Holy Week toward Easter, remember that encountering God doesn't require special circumstances or perfect conditions. It simply requires presence and openness to the glory dappled throughout our ordinary lives. Our products are designed with a sacred season such as this in mind, offering subtle reminders to pause, notice, and celebrate the Divine fingerprints on our everyday experiences. --- *Dappled Glory is a premium apparel and essentials brand created to inspire and uplift. Visit [dappledglory.com](https://dappledglory.com) to explore our collections designed to help you meet the glory in the ordinary.*

Have you ever thought about how a simple mug or journal can help you pause and reflect on the beauty of God's creation around you? At times, we get so caught up in the busyness of life that we forget to take a moment to appreciate the wonders of the world that God has placed before us. Our specially designed mugs and journals are more than just everyday items. They are crafted with the intention to encourage moments of pause and reflection in your day. The intricate designs and inspiring quotes serve as gentle reminders to take a step back, breathe, and marvel at the glory of God's creation. Start Your Day with Gratitude Imagine starting your day with a warm cup of coffee in a mug that reminds you to be grateful for the blessings in your life. As you sip your drink, you can take a moment to reflect on the beauty of the sunrise or the chirping of the birds outside your window. Our mugs are not just vessels for your favorite beverages; they are tools for gratitude and reflection. Capture Moments of Inspiration Similarly, our journals are designed to be more than just notebooks. They are a place where you can jot down moments of inspiration, prayers, or reflections on the goodness of God. Whether you're sitting in your favorite spot in nature or cozying up on your couch, our journals are there to capture your thoughts and help you see the beauty in the world around you. Embrace the Power of Reflection Reflection is a powerful practice that allows us to slow down, connect with our inner selves, and appreciate the beauty of God's creation. Our mugs and journals are here to support you on this journey of introspection and gratitude. So, why not take a moment today to pause, reflect, and bask in the glory of God's presence all around you? Let our specially designed mugs and journals be your companions in this beautiful journey of reflection and appreciation. Embrace the moments of stillness, and let the beauty of God's creation fill your heart with peace and gratitude.