Newly-canonized saints inspire a new generation

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St. Carlos Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati were the first saints canonized by Pope Leo XIV on Sept. 7. Both of their lives are examples of faith for anyone who seeks to follow Jesus. 

Carlo Acutis

Nicknamed the “influencer saint,” Carlo Acutis, was born in 1991. Growing up in Italy, he was a normal kid who loved playing video games with his friends, but what was more apparent was his love for God. He built a website documenting miracles around the world. He also had a deep love for the Eucharist saying, “the Eucharist is a motorway to Heaven” and that “with each communion, we come closer to the goal of sanctity.” St. Acutis had a deep admiration for St. Francis of Assisi during his life. He knew he wouldn’t live a long life, often saying he would die young. At age 15, he was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away not long after. Even in the face of his death, he remained faithful and calm. His last words were, “Mom, don’t be afraid. Since Jesus became a man, death has become the passage towards life, and we don’t need to flee it. Let us prepare ourselves to experience something extraordinary in eternal life.” After his death, his mother had a dream where St. Francis of Assisi told her that her son was in heaven and would inspire future saints. In October of 2020, St. Acutis was declared a blessed of the Church. In the years that followed, many came forward to testify about his intercessions in their lives. This year, St. Acutis was titled Patron Saint of the Internet and the First Millennial Saint. His short but faithful life is a lesson to young people to not lose sight of God. 

Carrollton was recently blessed with the opportunity to have a first degree relic of St. Acutis on campus. Many girls were able to touch it with their jewelry or prayer cards. Upper School religion teacher and campus minister Ms. Ferguson, said, “I think it’s an amazing example for young people. His relic coming here to Carrollton creates a special connection for our school to him.” 

Pier Giorgio Frassati

Pier Giorgio Frassati was born in 1901 in Turin, Italy. From a young age, he had a desire to help others. Despite growing up wealthy, he lived a life of deep faith and humility. St. Frassati spent much of his free time serving the poor, visiting the sick, and helping those in need. He would often give away money, clothes, and even shoes. He also loved mountain climbing, which he saw as a way to grow closer to God. St. Frassati died in 1925 at age 24 from polio he likely contracted from the poor he served. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1990 and, 100 years after his passing, was canonized this year alongside St. Acutis by Pope Leo XIV. He is the patron saint of athletes, youth, students and young people.

Upper School religion teacher Ms. Baumgartner said, “Something I really appreciate about Pier Giorgio is that he was very normal and relatable. I also appreciate his love of mountains and how he was able to see God’s beauty…I relate to him because I grew up near the mountains where God’s beauty is present.”

Their recent canonization together shows that sainthood is not limited to a specific time period, lifestyle, or vocation. Pope Leo XIV said, “The simple but winning formula of their holiness is accessible to everyone at any time. They encourage us with their words: ‘Not I, but God,’ as Carlo used to say. And Pier Giorgio: ‘If you have God at the center of all your actions, then you will reach the end.'”