New Saints For The Modern World

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It's an exciting time for the Church as the Vatican recently announced the approval for the canonization of two remarkable young figures: Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. This momentous newsrecognizes their profound impact and enduring witness to Christ. Carlo Acutis, the "patron of the internet," used his passion for technology to document Eucharistic miracles before his untimely death at 15. Pier Giorgio Frassati, who died at 24, was a vibrant social activist and outdoorsman, dedicating his life to serving the poor and living out the Beatitudes with joyful abandon. Both, in their own unique ways, demonstrate that holiness is accessible and compelling for every generation.

Pope Francis has frequently pointed to figures like Carlo and Pier Giorgio as models for young people today. In his apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit, Pope Francis specifically praised Carlo Acutis, noting that he "knew how to use the new communication technologies to transmit the Gospel, to communicate values and beauty." He reminds us that true joy and purpose are found not in passive consumption, but in actively living out our faith and serving others. As we eagerly await their canonizations this weekend, the challenge to all Catholics is clear: How can we, like Carlo and Pier Giorgio, harness our gifts, passions, and modern tools to spread the Good News and embody Christ's love in a world so desperately in need of authentic joy and compassionate service? 

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