23rd Week of Ordinary Time C – Sunday

Carlo Acutis, born in 1991 and died in 2006 at the young age of 15. He was born in London in 1991 and he grew up in Milan, Italy. From a young age he showed a deep love for the Eucharist and the Rosary, again outstanding in the things that matter. Known for his cheerfulness, simplicity and skill in computer programming, and he used this talent to build a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles from all over the world. He loved sports, video games, and animals, but lived with a deep sense of God's presence in the ordinary.

 Saint Carlo Acutis was diagnosed with acute leukemia M3 type at the age of 15. He accepted his illness with serenity, offering his sufferings for the Pope and the church. He died on the 12th of October 2006, 2006, in Monza, Italy, and he was buried in Assisi near his beloved Saint Francis.

 Saint Carlo Acutis always spoke of the Eucharist as his highway to heaven. Carlo centered his whole life on daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration, teaching that holiness is possible even in ordinary teenage life. He heard the words of Christ that whoever ate his flesh and drink drank his blood would live forever and on the last day would be raised up. Carlo believed.

He used modern tools for God and shows how the internet, technology and creativity can be put at the service of evangelization and the Church, something that a lot of us can ponder and can try to improve in our own communicative, modern technological pursuits.

 Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, was born in Turin, Italy in 1901 into a prominent family. His father was a senator and a newspaper owner. He studied engineering with the goal of working among miners. He was passionate about mountain climbing, sports and social activities. He was a member of Catholic

Action. The Saint Vincent de Paul Society and politically engaged as a lay Dominican.

 Already we see that in these associations he had a soft spot for the poor. He was known, in fact, for his generosity to the poor and his joyful, adventurous spirit.

He contracted polio, likely from serving the sick in the poor quarters of Turin, and he endured severe suffering silently without complaining, and he died at just the age of 24 on the 4th of July 1925.

 Thousands of the poor of Turin attended his funeral, surprising even his wealthy family, who had not realised the extent of his charity and how many people he touched.

Saint-Pier Giorgio inspires us when it comes to holiness in action – i.e., not just words, but the corporal works of mercy, holiness with joy and the spiritual works of mercy.

 Today's readings are rich. The Book of Wisdom reminds us how limited human reasoning is without the spirit. Both these young men possess the Spirit of God and were able to be wise in the things of God.

The Psalm calls us to seek wisdom of heart. Both boys really pondered the things of God within their hearts, and were able to draw from them such vital spiritual lessons that made their lives beautiful.

And Saint Paul, in the second reading, shows how wisdom transforms human relationships from slavery to brotherhood. Our Lord, who is continually transforming us from estranged and alienated from him to his close and beloved friends, sons and daughters.

 And then, our Lord, of course, in the gospel, teaches us that this discipleship, this relationship with him means radical commitment, putting God first above any of our possessions, family ties, and even self-interest.

 Let us ask these two new saints, Saint Carlo and Saint Pier Giorgio, to continue to pray for us now from heaven, so that we too, one day may rejoice in the presence of the Lord forever and ever.

Most Holy Mother, Queen of All Saints, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen.