Saints for the Modern Youth

Yesterday was the canonization of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Carlo Acutis. Although their canonizations were originally scheduled separately, the death of Pope Francis caused a delay in Acutis’ canonization. However, I think it’s very appropriate that they share a canonization ceremony. Both are been role models for young, passionate believers in the modern world. This was also the first canonization overseen by Pope Leo XIV.  

Pier Giorgio Frassati was born April 6, 1901 to a wealthy family in Turin, Italy. His father was a newspaper owner and also served in Italian politics, even serving as ambassador to Italy. His mother was a painter. From an early age Frassati showed concern for the poor and a desire for charity.

Although his father was agnostic, Frassati was baptized and confirmed into the Church. He attended a Jesuit school. As he grew older, he spoke out against fascism; he was arrested in Rome in 1921 while protesting alongside the Young Catholic Workers Congress. He joined Catholic Action and the St. Vincent de Paul Society and became a third order Dominican.

He often said: “Charity is not enough; we need social reform.” Inspired by Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, he helped establish the newspaper Memento, and he continued to serve and advocate for the poor.

Frassati was also a big outdoorsman; he loved mountain climbing and swimming. There are several photos of him mountain climbing in the Alps. He was known as outgoing, friendly, and even a jokester.

On June 30, 1925, he began experiencing sharp back pains. On July 2, he was diagnosed with polio exacerbated by fatigue. He died on the morning of July 4 at age 24. His family was surprised at his funeral procession when thousands of people lined the streets, including many of the poor he had helped.

Today he remembered as a fearless and king young adult, and many Catholic young adult groups bear his name. That is where I first learned about him.

St. Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991 in London to a wealthy Italian family. Although neither of his parents were religious, he was baptized. The family moved back to Milan a few months later. Although neither of his parents were religious, he was baptized, with his grandparents as godparents.

From an early age, Acutis showed a deep devotion to the faith and regularly attended Mass and eucharistic adoration. He also showed an interest in several of the saints. At age 12, he became a catechist at his parish.

Like a lot of kids at his time, Acutis also had an interest in computers and video gaming. He wanted to study computer science. In high school, he won a national competition for creating a website to promote volunteering. He also created a website in 2004 cataloguing eucharistic miracles and approved Marian apparitions.

On Oct. 1, 2006, Acutis developed an inflammation in his throat. A week later, he was diagnosed with leukemia. On Oct. 8, he was put on a ventilator. He expressed that he was offering up his suffering for the pope and the Church. He fell into a coma. He was declared braindead on Oct. 11 and died the next day at the age of 15. His feast day is Oct. 12.

His parents and younger siblings (both four years exactly after his death) were able to be present and participate in the canonization ceremony.

Carlo Acutis is remembered for his devotion to the Eucharist. His website project has been organized into travelling photo exhibition by the Vatican, travelling to more than 10,000 places and translated into 18 languages. He is also remembered as the first millennial saint. As someone who grew up with modern technology, he is very relatable for younger generations.

Both new saints had a deep passion for Christ and the Church and boldly lived out that faith. They both died young but continue to serve as role models for young people, particularly in living a faith-filled life a modernizing world.