Frassati and Acutis, two future saints who inspire Catholic youth

A small crowd overflows from a narrow street in the historic center of Rome, at the back of the Minerva basilica. Sitting on the ground or chatting cheerfully in the queue, they wait for half an hour before entering the church. The body of Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian who died just a hundred years ago, is exhibited there during the young people, from Monday, July 28 to Sunday August 3.

When their turn arrives, the pilgrims keep their happy conversations stupid and enter wisely. In front of the burial of the Blessed, placed in front of a large golden altar at the bottom of the church, they kneel with meditation. Some remain a long time to pray with fervor on the stone steps. The influx of visitors does not stop. A good part of the million young people present this week in the eternal city will pray in front of the almost holy body.

“They are challenged by the intensity of his life of prayer and service”

“Pier Giorgio is very popular in the university. Friends made it known to me five years ago, since he has inspired me a lot and I pray to him often, “explains Jacob, a young American student at the University of Dallas. He and his group of 70 young people are very happy to participate in the jubilee, but are still a little disappointed: they first came to Rome in order to attend the canonization of the Blessed, which was to take place during the closing mass of the jubilee. After the death of Pope Francis, the celebration was postponed to September 7.

The simplicity of the wooden coffin, surrounded by bouquets of white flowers and a black and white portrait of the blessed, contrasts with the golden richness of the altar in front of which it was deposited. She is like her life. Young -he died at the age of 24 of a lightning disease -, a student, surrounded by friends, neither priest nor religious: the common character of his life makes him close to young Catholics. “They are looking for normal figures with whom to identify,” observes Brother Raoul, Dominican of Colombian origin on a mission to young people. Pier Giorgio is commonplace, but not so much. “They are challenged by the intensity of his life of prayer and service,” says the religious. The alliance between banality and requirement attracts young people in search of radicality.

Two miracles attributed to Carlo Acutis

A few hundred meters further, the forecourt of the San Marcello Al Corso church is also filled with young pilgrims, sporting flags from around the world but dressed in the same green t-shirt of the jubilee. The smile of blessed Carlo Acutis, Italian who died in 2006 at the age of 15, adorned a large poster drawn in front of the entrance. Canadian students welcome pilgrims and their stickers “Bring it to Carlo”.

Inside the church, a great silence reigns despite the crowds. To the right of the altar, on which the Saint-Sacrament is exposed, a small silver reliquary is exposed. It contains a piece of the blessed heart. Young people queue to reach the small altar, pray on their knees and place an intention of prayer in a basket overflowing with small papers.

The young people come in large numbers to fervently venerate the remains of almost holy. As with Pier Giorgio Frassati, with whom Carlo Acutis will be canonized in September, they identify with the ordinary trajectory of the Milanese boy, keen on computer and football. His Christian life without concessions – Mass and daily worship, very regular confession, worship, rosary, service of the poor – inspire them. The numerous miracles attributed to him, two of which are officially recognized by the Church to allow canonization, pushes them to submit their requests to the young boy.

As their canonization approaches, the two young Italians have become real phenomena. Their names have spread like powder trained among young Catholics around the world. “I have heard of Pier Giorgio in my parish, in my chaplaincy and on social networks,” says Anika, an 18 -year -old Slovenian.

“Two years ago, there was a boom around Carlo Acutis. Everyone wanted to know who he was. Several of my friends have chosen him as a patron of confirmation, ”recalls Martin, who came from the Czech Republic. The Church is experiencing the success encountered by these two figures, whose promotion is an effective way to arouse the fervor of youth.

An invitation to dedication

During the jubilee, other young saints are given as an example to young people. A relic of Blessed Ivan Merz, pillar of the Croatian church, is exhibited throughout the week in a neighboring church. The young teacher, devoted to the education of youth in the movement he created, died at the age of 32 in 1928. He also distinguished himself by a life of secular holiness, in the world.

On the French side, meetings around Blessed Marcel Callo, Breton who died at 23 during the Second World War, are organized. The young Breton, president of the youth of the Christian worker at only 17 years old, requisitioned for the compulsory work service in Germany and arrested because “far too Catholic”, also took an important place in the devotion of young French. By these popular figures, young people are invited to perseverance in faith and dedication.