On Sept. 7, the Church rejoices in the canonization of two remarkable witnesses of faith: St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. Though separated by nearly a century, their lives shine with a common thread – an unwavering love for the Eucharist and a contagious joy in living as Christ’s disciples in the modern world.
Carlo Acutis, often called the “Millennial Saint,” had a gift for using modern tools to share eternal truths. With his passion for technology, he created a digital catalog of Eucharistic miracles from around the world, designing an exhibit so that countless people could encounter the mystery of Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament. Carlo often said, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” For him, daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and devotion to Our Lady were not simply pious practices – they were the foundation of his entire life. He reminds us that holiness is possible in the ordinary rhythm of modern living, even in the world of computers, schoolwork and friendships.
Pier Giorgio Frassati, affectionately remembered as “the Man of the Beatitudes,” shared that same Eucharistic fire. A university student and avid outdoorsman, Pier Giorgio loved mountain climbing and hiking with friends. Yet even in his adventures, he made sure Christ remained at the center – often arranging for a priest to accompany the group so they could attend Mass on their journeys. His joy, generosity and service to the poor all flowed from hours spent before the Blessed Sacrament. For him, life was meant to be lived “to the heights” – verso l’alto – with eyes fixed on Christ.
Both Carlo and Pier Giorgio show us that sainthood is not a relic of the past but a call for today. They teach us that a life rooted in the Eucharist can transform our friendships, our families, and even the way we spend our free time. They show us how to recognize Christ in others, approach the world with love, and radiate holiness in the midst of everyday life.
In the Frassati Youth Hall at St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction, a second-class relic of St. Pier Giorgio is on display for all to visit and venerate – a reminder that holiness is never far from us, for the saints walk with us on the journey to heaven.
As we celebrate their canonization, let us take inspiration from these new saints. May their example lead us deeper into Eucharistic living so that, like them, we might draw others toward the joy of friendship with Christ.
Father Parzynski is pastor of St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction.
Soon-to-be saint’s relic a reminder of a real person who ‘chose Christ above all’