The declaration by Pope Leo XIV and of the whole Church of two young saints is a moment of great joy.

Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati lived at different times but they are united in the seeming ordinariness of their faith, alongside their hobbies and interests that are so accessible.

That young people can see people of their own age as holy and normal is so important. For everybody to see that the Saints of every time and place are in many ways just like us is a wonderful reason to renew our personal Call to Holiness and to set our sights on heaven where we have many companions of faith already.

The fact that Carlo Acutis was born in England is something of which we can be proud. 

Carlo Acutis is an amazing teenage role model whose life of ordinary holiness speaks to young people now.
 
At school, Carlo had a great sense of humour and was a positive member of the class who both teachers and students alike found his warmth and passion for truth admirable. He had a strong sense of discipline for sports, use of time and following Jesus.
 
He was a bit of a computer geek in and enjoyed coding, programming and set up websites. This led to him creating a well visited website on Eucharistic miracles to encourage other young people to grow in knowledge and faith in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Carlo reflected that: “All people are born as originals but many die as photocopies”. He sought to live his life with the originality and dignity that he received as a gift from God. We pray that all of our young people may cherish whatever makes them unique.
 
Carlo was drawn to pray at church in the presence of Jesus and would encourage his friends and family to attend Mass and participate in adoration of the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. His family were not practicing Catholics, but his witness drew them closer to Jesus Christ and back to the church - much like we are seeing today - many young people are considering their own beliefs and faith and seeking Churches where they can pray.
 
Carlo was bold and, along with his friends, challenged the behaviours of the day around relationships, drugs, and sexuality, quoting the scripture ‘Our body is a Temple of The Holy Spirit’. He was known for his deep call to strive for virtue and purity.
 
He would befriend the needy and the poor and sometimes invite classmates,  whose home lives were difficult, over for dinner or to help those struggling with their homework.
 
He used his monthly pocket money/allowance to give needed items to the poor around his district.
 
May we be inspired to speak out for truth, challenge others to pray and have a joyful faith and behaviour that inspires our families and friends.
 
Pier Giorgio Frassati shows by laying down one’s life in service we can find joy and closeness to others and Christ. We can seek and find God anywhere, but in nature God is present and God awaits us for a new adventure. Like many, he found God in creation and on mountains and among the poor.
 
We pray his motto ‘To strive to the heights’ may inspire young people to embrace holiness in sport, mission among the poor and in everyday life.

Pier Giorgio often challenged himself and others. He said: “Charity is not enough; we need social reform. The Gospel shows us this clearly.” He also reflected that: God gives us health so that we may serve the sick.

The Parish of Blessed Carlo Acutis in Wolverhampton and Wombourne in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, now a Shrine in honour of the new St Carlo looks forward to becoming a place of pilgrimage as this new Saint becomes ever better known. Our Solihull Area Youth Group dedicated to St Carlo Acutis celebrates this moment too.

Our Diocesan Kenelm Youth Service (KYT) and our parish youth groups and our Diocesan Education Service (DES) and our schools are excited to celebrate the canonisation of two new young saints and seek their friendship from heaven to help us on our earthly journey as Pilgrims of Hope. 

St Carlo Acutis, Pray for us
St Pier Giorgio Frassati, Pray for us

Bishop Timothy Menezes
Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham 

Sandra Satchell
CEO, Kenelm Youth Trust

Steve Bell
Director of Education, Birmingham Diocesan Education Service 

Photograph taken at St Michael's, Penn, on Canonisation Day, Sunday 7 September.