Our late Holy Father Pope Francis often spoke of a Church that was missionary, Eucharistic, and vibrant with a youthful holiness. He promulgated the canonizations of two young men, Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, to bring attention to their joy, simplicity, and Eucharistic devotion.
In his post synodal apostolic exhortation, Christus Vivit, Pope Francis wrote “Through the holiness of the young, the Church can renew her spiritual ardor and her apostolic vigor. The balm of holiness generated by the good lives of so many young people can heal the wounds of the Church and of the world, bringing us back to that fullness of love to which we have always been called: young saints inspire us to return to our first love. Some saints never reached adulthood, yet they showed us that there is another way to spend our youth.“
Carlo is specifically mentioned in the Apostolic Exhortation. Pope Francis commended Carlo for not falling into the trap of consumerism and internet addiction but using his gifts, particularly his communication skills, to transmit the Gospel and Christian values. While Carlo Acutis’s scheduled enrollment in the Communion of Saints was postponed last Sunday due to the passing and funeral of Pope Francis, Saint Peter’s Square was teeming with tens of thousands of teenagers from across the globe, a sign of the vitality of our Church and reverence for our late Pope.
The documentary by Castletown Media, Carlo Acutis: Road Map to Reality, debuted as scheduled in theaters April 27-29. Another documentary, The Boy from Milan, featuring personal stories from those who knew him, also debuted on FORMED on April 2. Both documentaries are still available and worth viewing.
The Eucharistic Revival is alive and so is Jesus! Jesus is on the move again this summer! Registration is open for the 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, a Eucharistic caravan which will take place from May 18th to June 22nd. During these 36 days, the pilgrimage will cover more than 3,340 miles across 10 states, partnering with 21 archdioceses and 4 eparchies. The pilgrimage will conclude on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi in Los Angeles. You can register at https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/
April's Walk With One webinar focused on providing a pastoral approach to same-sex attraction. The session was aimed to equip participants with compassionate and authentically Catholic guidance to support individuals facing life's challenges. This impactful presentation is now available to rewatch here.
Please continue to keep the Eucharistic Revival in your prayers. May God bless you during this Easter Season.
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz CSFN
