Carlo Acutis has affectionately been known as the “God Geek” or “Cyber Apostle.” He was born 1991 and entered eternal life in 2006. He died from leukemia at age 15.

Carlo is buried in Assisi, in his desire to be near the great Saint Francis. It was on this hilltop that he was beatified in 2020, in the height of a global pandemic. Assisi has become a pilgrimage site to seek the intercession of Carlo.

His canonization was originally scheduled for April 27, during the Jubilee for Adolescents and Divine Mercy Sunday. It was delayed due to the death of Pope Francis on on April 21.

Carlo Acutis has become one of the most recognizable Catholic figures of this century. He was a passionate web developer and evangelist and created a popular website cataloging Eucharistic miracles from around the world.

His life must inspire us to use technology for good. Use these platforms to speak of the joy of being a disciple of Christ and giving witness to his love. Carlo was known for a simple Italian expression: Non io ma Dio. It means Not me, but God. Like the Baptist, Carlo points to Jesus, the central protagonist of all human history.

Being a saint is possible! Carlo is the first saint of the millennium. Look to him and see how holiness is in our daily reach.

To the Heights

Another who will be canonized on September 7 is Pier Giorgio Frassati. I met him as I prayed before his tomb during the World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia in 2008. At that time he had just caught the attention of global Catholics. He is perhaps the first saint to be pictured smoking a cigar.

Pier Giorgio Frassati was born in 1901 in Turin, Italy. He died at the age of 24 from polio contracted while caring for the poor. He had this expression: Verso l’Alto. This Italian motto translates To the Heights! We must climb and conquer the Alpine mountains and ascend to the heights of holiness in service to others.

Pier had a tremendous love for the poor since he was a small boy.  He often denied himself money and others things to be able to provide for the poor.  At a young age, Pier joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Through this ministry he was able to channel the great love he received from the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus into the care he poured out upon poor families, orphans of the First World War, single mothers, and all those in need.  He ascended the heights of service!

Pier was an avid mountain climber and activist. He had a unique blend for spiritual fervor and social commitment to the poor. The mountain climber was beatified by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1990.

The joint canonization of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati in September reminds us that holiness is for everyone! Carlo was immersed in digital evangelization and Pier set his sights on hand-on charity for the poor and outdoor adventures! They show the modern roadmap to holiness that resonate with young people and seekers alike.

More saints!

The Holy Father has also announced the canonization of seven more men and women of holiness.

On October 19, Pope Leo will canonize seven blesseds from around the world:

Bartolo Longo (1841–1926). He was Italian layman and promoter of the Rosary in Pompeii

Peter To Rot (1912–1945), a lay catechist and martyr from Papua New Guinea, the first Papuan saint!

José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros (1869–1919) was Venezuelan doctor known for his service to the poor.

Ignatius Choukrallah Maloyan (1869–1915) was Armenian archbishop and martyr.

Maria del Monte Carmelo (1903–1977) was a Venezuelan religious.

Vincenza Maria Poloni (1802–1855) and Maria Troncatti (1883–1969). They were Italian religious sisters dedicated to the sick and the poor.