What Canonization of the Church’s Newest Young Saints Teaches Us Older Folks
By: Most Rev. Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn and chairman of the USCCB Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church
Shortly after the announcement of the approval of the canonizations of Saints Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis, I was asked in an interview, “What does Carlo Acutis teach the young people today?” It occurred to me that, the premise of the question is wrong. Certainly, his example inspires many and his virtues are worthy of imitation. But the real question is, “What does Carlo Acutis teach us older folks about what we can learn from our young people?”
With the canonizations earlier in September, these two young men join the company of young people through the centuries – stretching back to earliest witnesses of Jesus Christ – who teach the world the immense values of friendship with him.
In some ways these two new saints are extraordinary, but in many ways, they lived very similar lives to the young people we meet along the way today. Their love of the outdoors, sports and even video games and pets are all part of their appeal to the youth and young adults. But at the heart of everything they did was a profound friendship with Jesus Christ especially in the sacraments. In our parishes and movements, we encounter many of these same young people drawn to the Eucharist, prayer, service and the quest for truth.
The recent Jubilee for Youth is a powerful example. I am proud of the delegations from Brooklyn and Queens that I was able to accompany. They were true pilgrims. They sought every opportunity for prayerful experiences. It was touching to see young people shopping for religious items to bring home to members of their families. The sharing of their faith journeys was profound and their concern for each other – and for other pilgrims – was inspiring.
The Holy Father seemed visibly moved by the young people. He spoke from the heart to them encouraging them in their faith and witness. He saw the rich cultural diversity of youth from all around the world along with sense of unity, especially with those who suffer. “We are with the young people of Gaza, we are with the young people of Ukraine, with those of every land bloodied by war. My young brothers and sisters, you are the sign that a different world is possible: a world of fraternity and friendship, where conflicts are not resolved with weapons but with dialogue.”
Indeed, we need to learn from and encourage these young people who are engaged in the faith. They are the most credible missionaries to other young people while in turn teaching and inspiring those of us who are older. We take the lead from Pope Leo XIV in his farewell at the Angelus at the Jubilee of Youth. “Yes, with Christ it is possible! With his love, with his forgiveness, and with the power of his Spirit. My dear friends, united to Jesus, like branches to the vine, you will bear much fruit. You will be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. You will be seeds of hope where you live, in your families, among your friends, at school, at work, and in sports. You will be seeds of hope with Christ, our hope.”