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News of the canonization dates for Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati has been received with joy by Catholics in the United States. Pope Francis announced on November 20 that these two figures, currently titled "blessed," will be declared saints in 2025 during a jubilee year for the Catholic Church. Acutis' canonization is set for April 27, coinciding with the Jubilee for Adolescents in Rome, while Frassati's will take place during the Jubilee of Young People from July 28 to August 3.
Christine Wohar, president of FrassatiUSA, expressed her enthusiasm about this development. She described it as a "wonderful gift to the church militant" and emphasized the need for Catholic role models who embody courage and devotion.
Frassati and Acutis lived lives dedicated to their faith despite being born almost a century apart. Frassati was known as the "Man of the Eight Beatitudes" and was involved in serving the poor through organizations like St. Vincent de Paul Society. He died at age 24 after contracting polio, possibly from his charitable work. Pope John Paul II beatified him in 1990.
Acutis showed similar dedication; he attended Mass daily and volunteered at a soup kitchen while maintaining interests typical of teenagers today, such as video games and soccer. He passed away at age 15 due to leukemia but left behind a significant legacy by creating an online database of Eucharistic miracles worldwide. He was beatified by Pope Francis in 2020.
Michael Norton from Malvern Retreat Center noted that young people are particularly drawn to Acutis because they can relate to him through shared interests like computer programming and sports.
In Texas, Tim Lienhard from Frassati Catholic High School highlighted how students have been influenced by their patron's spirit, attributing growth in student numbers partly to his intercession.
Actor Jeromy Darling also shared how portraying Frassati impacted his life deeply: "It changed my life completely," he said about playing him in a theatrical production.
Many Catholics find inspiration in an Italian phrase associated with Frassati: “Verso L’Alto,” meaning “to the heights.” As both individuals prepare for sainthood recognition next year—Frassati reaching his ultimate summit—they continue guiding today's youth toward spiritual aspirations alongside Acutis’ example."
Gina Christian reports on behalf of OSV News; follow her updates via X (formerly Twitter) @GinaJesseReina
