Reflection

New Saints – Canonisation 7 September

The canonization date for Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati is 7 September, 2025.  They have both become popular patrons for teens and young adults. Born 90 years apart, Frassati and Acutis both lived brief but faith-filled lives that saw them devoted to Christ, particularly in the Eucharist, and to those around them.

Dubbed the "Man of the Eight Beatitudes" by St John Paul II, Frassati -- born in Turin in 1901 to an influential family -- began receiving daily Communion at a young age, while serving the poor through the St Vincent de Paul Society and evangelizing his friends.

A lay Dominican, Frassati also participated in demonstrations to defend his faith against the Communist and Fascist parties in Italy. His passion for outdoor activities such as mountaineering has made him a patron of athletes. Frassati died in 1925 at age 24, having contracted polio, which doctors speculated he may have contracted from serving the sick. Pope St John Paul II beatified Frassati in 1990.

Almost a century later, Acutis in many ways mirrored his predecessor's qualities. The sunny-faced teen -- who was born in London in 1991 and grew up in Milan, Italy -- displayed an early attraction to the spiritual life, reciting the rosary and attending Mass daily, serving as a catechist, volunteering at a church soup kitchen and tutoring children with their homework. At the same time, Acutis was known for his enthusiasm for typical teenage interests, such as video games, pets, soccer and music.

Acutis died of leukemia in 2006 at age 15, having lived a brief life of extraordinary holiness that was marked by a profound devotion to Christ and the Eucharist. His desire to foster awareness of the Blessed Sacrament, along with his formidable computer skills, led him to create a database of Eucharistic miracles throughout the world. Pope Francis beatified him in 2020.

Through their example, inspire us to place the Eucharist at the heart of our lives, to serve the poor with generosity, and to live our faith with youthful zeal. Like them, may we follow Jesus more closely each day.

Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us!

Holy Family of Nazareth, be our inspiration and our guide.

Jesus of Nazareth, help us to grow in Faith, Wisdom and Knowledge.