Johannesburg: As the Catholic Church prepares for the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati on September 7, young Catholics in South Africa are expressing renewed motivation for holiness, drawing inspiration from Acutis’ life and example.

Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Johannesburg, shared his reflections ahead of the event, stressing that holiness is not reserved for extraordinary people but is a universal calling rooted in baptism. “Holiness is something that we are all called to,” he said in a video message, encouraging young people not to neglect God’s call in their lives. The Cardinal praised the energy and joy of the youth, describing their witness as a source of hope for the Church.

Across South Africa and neighboring countries, young Catholics are finding in Carlo Acutis a relatable figure. Karabo Ramaila, a youth coordinator in Johannesburg, described him as a peer who feels like a “big brother” because of his modern outlook and use of technology. Dominican seminarian Br Mxolisi Mashifane pointed to Acutis’ passion for video games and coding, combined with his deep compassion for the marginalized, as proof that faith can be lived authentically in daily life. Khanyisile Ndlovu of the Diocese of Witbank added that Carlo’s faith-driven creativity and kindness challenge young people to put their talents at the service of others.

Carlo Acutis, who died of leukemia at the age of 15 in 2006, is remembered for his devotion to the Eucharist and for creating a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles. His canonization, together with Pier Giorgio Frassati, was announced by Pope Leo XIV in June 2025 and will make him the first millennial saint.

The upcoming canonization is seen as a moment of renewal for Catholic youth worldwide. For South African young people, Carlo’s life demonstrates that sainthood is attainable in today’s world, showing that holiness can be lived with joy, creativity, and service even amid the challenges of modern life.