Millennial Saint: Celebrating the Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati in Miami
The Catholic Church is set to make history as Pope Leo XIV will declare the first saint from the Millennial generation, Blessed Carlo Acutis, official this Sunday. Acutis, known for his internet evangelizing and cataloging miracles, will be canonized alongside Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Italian man. Catholics in Miami are celebrating this momentous occasion with an overnight vigil organized by the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary at the St. John Paul II Evangelization Center.
The vigil, aimed at young people and families, will feature a mass, relics from the saints, discussions on becoming a saint in the Catholic church, and reflections on the lives of the saints. Participants are encouraged to bring sleeping bags and food for the event. Sister Alexia Zaldivar highlighted the inspiration that Acutis and Frassati bring to young people, emphasizing their relatability and modern approach to faith.
The vigil will also showcase Acutis' work, including his research on Eucharistic miracles, which are extraordinary events involving the Eucharist. Zaldivar, a Catholic nun for 10 years, expressed her personal connection to the upcoming sainthood ceremony and the impact it has on the youth. The process of becoming a saint involves stages of Venerable, Blessed, and Saint, with Acutis reaching the Blessed stage in 2020 after being declared Venerable in 2018.
Acutis, a normal and popular boy with a compassionate heart, dedicated his life to helping others through volunteering and acts of kindness. His legacy continues to inspire many, especially the younger generation, as he is set to become the first millennial Catholic saint. The upcoming canonization ceremony is a testament to the enduring impact of Acutis and Frassati on the Catholic community worldwide.