Pilgrims gather in St. Peter’s Square for the canonization, celebrating faith before the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica.
On September 7th, I, along with brother Yasser and brother Charles, a novice in our community, celebrated with great joy with the entire Church. On that day, Pope Francis painted the figures of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati as new saints of the Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV also confirmed this day. The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by the Pontiff on the parvis of St. Peter’s Basilica, was a great feast not only for the thousands present, but for the whole world. Even heaven rejoiced with us.
The day started very early. At 4 in the morning, brother Charles and I were already ready to leave our home in Assisi and head to the train station. Despite the sleepiness, we were full of joy for this great event. The train journey became a moment of familiarity, allowing us to talk with the people next to us. We arrived in Rome around 8:30 a.m. and the square was already full. There, under a sun that warmed both the soul and the body, we took part in an unforgettable day. The tiredness, heat, and immense crowd did not blur our vision; in fact, they made it sharper. The square was a single beating heart, waiting for a special gift.
The gift arrived with the elevation of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati to new saints. We heard Pope Leo call Pier Giorgio a “man of the Beatitudes” and Carlo a “genius of communication for the Gospel”. In that moment, my life and my path as a Christian became clearer than ever. We are not called to be perfect, but to seek holiness every day, in our imperfection. We are called to follow what our Lord Jesus Christ tells us in Mt 11:29: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart”. I believe that Saint Pier Giorgio and Saint Carlo Acutis did exactly this, as did our founders, Fr. Paul and Mother Lurana. Like Saint Francis and Saint Clare, they “did not go in search of great things beyond their strength” (Psalm 130) but walked alongside our Lord.
A Call to Conversion and Courage
Brother Yasser and Brother Charles gathered joyfully in St. Peter’s Square, wearing yellow caps, united in celebration and faith.
For me, their canonization was not just a celebration, but an inner cry, a constant call to conversion. A call to live my religious life in the Atonement as a gift shared with others, every day with the grace of God and the strength of the Holy Spirit, nourished by prayer, the sacraments, and the support of our brothers. Even in difficult times. With a readiness for reconciliation that does not remain just in words but is translated into righteous actions. With a readiness for dialogue and a merciful heart to embrace the cross of our God together.
Today I was able to remember and confirm what my inspiration was to become a Franciscan Friar of the Atonement. Now I can say with firmness and deep faith: “Lord, here I am to do your will”. This is my path, my life, and why not? Like the new saints, it can also be our sanctity. We walk along the path together. And so, with the example of Carlo, Pier Giorgio, and our founders, I feel stronger and more courageous in facing it.
May Our Lady of the Atonement intercede for us.
blog post written by brother Yasser.