By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Nov 20, 2024 / 05:58 am
Pope Francis made a surprise announcement on Wednesday, revealing that Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, two young Catholics known for their vibrant faith and holiness, will be canonized during special jubilee celebrations dedicated to young people.
The announcement was made at the end of the pope’s weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square as he marked World Children’s Day.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni later confirmed that Acutis’ canonization will take place during the Church’s Jubilee of Teenagers from April 25–27, 2025, and Frassati’s canonization will be part of the Jubilee of Youth from July 28–Aug. 3, 2025.
Acording to the Diocese of Assisi, Acutis’ canonization Mass is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square.
Both Acutis and Frassati are admired by many young Catholics for their dedication to holiness. The upcoming canonizations are expected to draw numerous young people to Rome in 2025 for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee of Hope.
Carlo Acutis: The First Millennial Saint
Acutis, an Italian teenager with a passion for computer coding who passed away from cancer in 2006, is remembered for his profound devotion to the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Born in 1991, Acutis holds the distinction of being the first millennial to be beatified by the Catholic Church.
Discover the inspiring story of Carlo Acutis, a young boy whose faith and love for the Eucharist touched the lives of many.
At just 7 years old, shortly after his first Communion, Acutis shared his life plan with his mother: “To always be united to Jesus.” This simple yet profound statement set the course for his life.
Driven by his deep love for Christ, Acutis made it a priority to attend daily Mass at the parish church near his school in Milan. He saw the Eucharist as his “highway to heaven” and strove to share this belief with others.
Despite his young age, Acutis was tech-savvy and used his skills to create an exhibition on Eucharistic miracles. This exhibition, which premiered during the Year of the Eucharist, has since been displayed in numerous parishes worldwide.
Known for his openness and willingness to share his faith, Acutis had a profound impact on those around him. His classmates, friends, and family members testify to how he brought them closer to God through his words and actions.
One of Acutis’ memorable quotes is: “People who place themselves before the Eucharist become saints.” This sentiment reflects his unwavering belief in the power of the Eucharist to transform lives.
Tragically, Acutis passed away at the age of 15 after battling leukemia. Before his death, he offered his suffering for the Church and the pope, expressing his desire to go straight to heaven.
Despite his short life, Acutis’ legacy lives on, inspiring countless individuals to deepen their faith and love for the Eucharist. His beatification in the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi serves as a testament to his remarkable devotion to Christ.
Let Carlo Acutis’ story remind us of the power of faith, love, and the Eucharist to guide us on our own journey towards holiness.
