Travelling to Rome for the canonisation of Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati was a blessing beyond words. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the city alive with expectation, pilgrims filling the streets, voices in many languages, all drawn together by faith and joy.
One of the great moments leading up to the canonisation was attending the public conference “Inside Life, Inside History: The Sanctity of Pier Giorgio Frassati” at LUMSA University. Encountering Pier Giorgio’s life commitment to Catholic Action inspired me deeply in my own faith. His example showed me that faith is not meant to stay hidden, but to be lived actively in the world. Reflecting on how he combined prayer with service, friendship with responsibility, and joy with sacrifice encouraged me to do the same in my daily life. Through his witness, I know that even small actions, offering my time, supporting those in need, speaking up for what is right, can be ways of living out the Gospel. Pier Giorgio deepened my understanding that holiness is not distant, but something possible whenever I choose to serve others with love.
Later on Saturday evening, the Prayer Vigil at the Basilica di San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini organised by Azzione Cattolica Italiana in preparation for Pier Giorgio’s canonisation, touched my heart profoundly. We prayed, listened to Scripture, sang hymns, and spent moments in Eucharistic Adoration. The atmosphere was both reverent and joyful. I felt uplifted and united with so many others seeking to follow Christ through the example of Pier Giorgio. The highlight, of course, was the canonisation on Sunday. I made sure to be very early, and as I joined the queue leading into St. Peter’s Square, I could already feel the excitement rising. There was a special thrill in those moments of waiting, anticipation, strangers exchanging smiles, all united by faith and joy.
Once inside Piazza San Pietro, the vast square slowly transformed before my eyes as people began to pour in from every corner of the world. Flags waved high, bright colours from different countries weaving together like a tapestry of unity. Everywhere I looked, there were joyful faces: families, young people, religious communities, and pilgrims who had travelled long distances.
The culmination of it all came as Pope Leo XIV solemnly proclaimed Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati saints, their names now forever among the Church’s canon of holy witnesses. The sound of the Litany of the Saints still echoed in the air as the crowd erupted with joy, flags waving and voices lifted in thanksgiving. The celebration of the Eucharist drew us deeper into the mystery of holiness, reminding us that the saints always lead us closer to Christ. And as the Mass ended with the Angelus, we prayed together with the Holy Father, and there was a profound sense of unity, peace and grace.
On my way back, my heart was full, and I could not help but reflect on how this journey helped me grow spiritually in these ways:
Deeper love for the Eucharist – Seeing how central the Eucharist was for Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati inspired me to continue to make the Mass and Adoration more central in my own life.
Strength in communal prayer – Praying with thousands of pilgrims from all over the world reminded me that faith is not only personal but shared; it gave me strength and joy to be united with the universal Catholic Church.
Inspired by witness – Reflecting on the holiness of Carlo and Pier Giorgio showed me that sainthood is possible in everyday life through small acts of service, joy, and friendship.
Commitment to action – Learning about Pier Giorgio’s work in Catholic Action encouraged me to live my faith more actively in society, by serving others and standing up for what is right.
Renewed hope – Hearing their names proclaimed saints during the Litany of the Saints filled me with hope that holiness is not distant, but a calling for every Christian.
Sense of belonging – Being part of the canonisation strengthened my identity. I truly felt the beauty of a Church that is alive, one, universal, and filled with hope.
Holy Mass with Canonization and Angelus, September 7 2025, Pope Leo XIV
Thanks to Silvana Cardona for sharing her experience.