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Pinoy pride on display as Vatican canonizes first millennial saint
VATICAN — Young Filipinos, along with their kababayan relatives and friends, proudly showed the Philippine flag as they joined thousands here who witnessed the canonization of the first Catholic saint of the millennial generation.
In the history of the Catholic Church, it is rare for young people to be recognized for their holiness. However, two names have once again brought light and hope to the faithful: St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, who were canonized last Sunday, September 7, at St. Peter's Square in Rome. The Mass was presided over by Pope Leo XIV.
Saint Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian boy who died aged 15, learned computer code to build websites to spread his faith. Pope Leo canonized Acutis along with St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian man who was known for helping those in need and died of polio in the 1920s.
According to the Vatican, an estimated 80,000 devotees attended the historic event, with a special emphasis on the participation of young people. Among those present was Dan Rosuelo Roldan, a young Filipino based in Italy.
Dan shared his experience, saying he and his companions were determined to arrive early, squeezing through the crowd and enduring the intense sun, just to witness the canonization of the two young saints.
"As a young person, I believe that just like St. Carlo Acutis, I can spread the Word of God and become a role model and example. I also aspire to be like them—helping others and inspiring those around me," said Dan.
The canonization of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati serves as a powerful reminder to today's youth that, despite the challenges of modern life, they too can become examples of holiness and service.
Dan added, "It was a great honor to bring the Philippine flag to the middle of St. Peter's Square—not only for the Filipino people but also for all the young people who aspire to be like St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati."
Like Dan, many other young people are striving to incorporate the teachings and examples of these new saints into their everyday lives.
Their canonization has sparked fresh inspiration among the youth, reminding them that holiness is within reach—regardless of age, background, or circumstance.
In a world often consumed by materialism and instant gratification, Dan prays and hopes to become a living testimony to young people: that true happiness does not come from worldly wealth, but from a life of faith, charity, and service to others—just like the lives of St. Carlo and St. Pier Giorgio. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
