Having entered the university world by enrolling in mechanical engineering (with a specialization in mining), Pier Giorgio met the FUCI, Federazione Universitaria Cattolica Italiana. He joined the "Cesare Balbo" club in 1919, a few months after entering the Polytechnic of Turin.
The period is very heated: Italy is experiencing the great difficulties and great ferments of the post-war period. Young Catholics feel involved, and in their organizations they discuss and act on the issues on which the future of the nation rests. For many young people, and also for Pier Giorgio, the FUCI is a privileged place of formation in social and cultural life.
The "Cesare Balbo" circle meets often, it is large and lively. People of different depth and sensitivity meet there. Among them, Pier Giorgio finds some young people who resemble him in passions, hopes, way of understanding existence. They will be among his dearest friends.
With them she shares her free time, mountain excursions, and the many opportunities to meet and share the characteristics of a close-knit group of friends. And of friends, because the relationships with the female FUCI are close.
Pier Giorgio creates around himself a small community of boys and girls who live their friendship with serenity and respect and which takes a name, when on May 18, 1924 during a trip to the mountains the «Società dei Tipi Loschi» is founded. Its members, «swindlers» and «swindlers», take a nickname: Pier Giorgio is Robespierre. Good humor and serenity are the choice of the Tipi Loschi, to dispel «scruples and melancholy» in the heart of each one and thus be able to «serve God in perfect joy». The true bond is faith. What really strengthens is prayer.
They spoke to me about Pier Giorgio before I went to Turin and he was introduced to me. I was then the General President of the FUCI. They spoke so highly of him that, knowing that the Circolo Balbo was in crisis, I proposed Pier Giorgio as President.
They replied that he would accept because he was very keen to work for the Club, but that he did not want any positions.
As soon as I arrived in Turin, I wanted to meet him: in his simplicity, with his very sincere eyes, he immediately inspired sympathy, respect and trust in me.Joseph Spataro