As the Church joyfully prepares to canonize Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati together on September 7, we are invited to reflect on the timeless wisdom these two young men shared. Though they lived in different eras, both Carlo and Pier Giorgio devoted their youth to God in remarkable ways.
Carlo Acutis, a millennial “computer geek” turned cyber-apostle, used technology to spread devotion to the Eucharist. Pier Giorgio Frassati, an early 20th-century mountain climber and activist, lived out an infectious faith through service and outdoor adventure. Each, in his own style, showed that holiness is achievable even in one’s teens and 20s.
Their words resonate deeply with young people today. In an age of social media and peer pressure, Carlo’s and Pier Giorgio’s quotes speak about staying true to our identity and purpose. They tackle issues of faith, purpose, and identity – encouraging us to aim for heaven instead of settling for empty worldly pursuits.
They acknowledge the lure of pleasure and technology, yet challenge youth to use these wisely and not become “photocopies” of everyone else. Importantly, both blesseds radiated joy and hope. They teach that authentic happiness is found in God, and they prove that even amidst suffering or difficulties, a youthful heart anchored in Christ can remain courageous and resilient.
Warm and engaging, the following 12 quotes come with brief notes to set the scene. May these words of wisdom inspire you on your own journey, especially as we celebrate the canonization of these two modern models of holiness. They remind us that young people can be saints – and that their insights can light the way for many others.
Blessed Carlo Acutis
“Everyone is born as an original, but many people end up dying as photocopies.”
Context: Carlo often warned his peers not to lose their individuality by blindly imitating others. He believed God made each person unique, and he challenged young people to embrace their authentic identity in Christ instead of conforming to society’s expectations.
“To always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan.”
Context: This succinct “life plan” guided everything in Carlo’s day-to-day life. From a young age he centered his schedule on attending Mass and prayer, showing that his highest priority was a close friendship with Christ. It’s a powerful reminder to youth that staying near to Jesus is the surest roadmap for one’s life purpose.
“The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven. When we face the sun we get a tan ... but when we stand before Jesus in the Eucharist, we become saints.”
Context: Carlo used this vivid analogy to explain how important the Eucharist was to him. Just as sunlight changes us physically, he said spending time with Jesus in Holy Communion transforms us spiritually. He frequently encouraged others to attend Mass and Eucharistic adoration, convinced that regularly receiving the Eucharist draws us closer to God and to holiness.
“Sadness is looking at ourselves, happiness is looking towards God.”
Context: This insight reflects Carlo’s joyful spirit. He believed that self-centeredness leads to insecurity and gloom, whereas turning our gaze toward God brings true happiness. Carlo’s own cheerfulness — even as he battled his terminal illness — showed that a God-centered life gives a deep and resilient joy that self-absorption can never provide.
“I am happy to die because I have lived my life without wasting even a minute on things unpleasing to God.”
Context: As a teenager facing leukemia, Carlo spoke these words to his mother to comfort her. Far from despairing, he was at peace with death because he knew he had focused his short life on what truly mattered. For today’s youth, this quote is a bold testament to living with purpose – avoiding the distractions of sin or triviality so that whenever our lives end, we have no regrets in offering them to God.
“Our ultimate goal must be the Infinite and not the finite.”
Context: Carlo reminds young people that we are made for Heaven (the “Infinite”) and not for the fleeting things of this world. In an age of instant gratification, he encourages us to lift our eyes beyond temporary pleasures or material success. Carlo’s words challenge us to aim high – toward the infinite love of God – and not settle for less than the eternal happiness we’re created for.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
“To live without faith, without a heritage to defend, without battling constantly for truth, is not to live but to ‘get along’; we must never just ‘get along.’”
Context: Pier Giorgio wrote this rallying message to his friends, chiding any attitude of comfortable apathy. He challenged young people to live with conviction and courage. For him, a life devoid of faith and principles wasn’t really living at all – only passing through existence. This quote invites today’s youth to reject mere passivity or conformity, and instead to stand up for their beliefs and live with meaning.
“The higher we go, the better we shall hear the voice of Christ.”
Context: An avid mountain climber, Frassati often led friends on hikes in the Italian Alps. This quote uses his beloved climbing metaphor to encourage striving toward God. He found that removing himself from life’s noise – and literally climbing toward the heavens – made God’s voice clearer. It’s an invitation for young people to rise above distractions (be they peer pressure, digital overload, or daily stress) and seek the heights of prayer and contemplation, where Christ’s guidance can be heard more clearly.
“Jesus is with me. I have nothing to fear.”
Context: This simple declaration was Pier Giorgio’s motto in times of trial. He had a courageous trust in God’s presence, whether he was serving in the slums or confronting societal injustices. For any young person feeling anxious or alone, Frassati’s confidence is a comforting reminder that God never abandons us. With Jesus by our side, we can face challenges without fear.
“A Catholic cannot help but be happy; ... They are happy even through suffering.”
Context: Pier Giorgio radiated joy and famously said that sadness should have no place in the life of a believer. Importantly, he did not deny that suffering exists – rather, he distinguished suffering from despair. Even when stricken with poliomyelitis at age 24, he endured pain with remarkable cheerfulness. This quote (from a letter he wrote) insists that a life of faith is fundamentally joyful, transforming even suffering into an occasion of hope. It encourages young people to approach life’s thorns with a supernatural optimism born of faith.
“What wealth it is to be in good health, as we are! We have the duty of putting our health at the service of those who do not have it.”
Context: Pier Giorgio was strong and athletic, but he saw his physical vigor as a gift to be shared. He spent much of his free time tending to the sick and the poor in his city. In this quote he reminds us that being healthy and able is a blessing meant for doing good. For today’s youth, his words are a challenge to use our energy, talents, and even our health to help those who are suffering, rather than taking these gifts for granted.
“Foolish is he who follows the pleasures of this world, ... The only true pleasure is that which comes to us through faith.”
Context: Frassati saw many of his peers chasing nightlife and indulgence in search of happiness, but he wasn’t impressed. In this quote he warns that worldly pleasures are fleeting and often leave behind emptiness or pain. The real, lasting joy – he attests – comes from a clear conscience and a life anchored in faith. For young people facing temptations or peer pressure, Pier Giorgio’s advice is clear: don’t be deceived by flashy pleasures. A life of faith and virtue may require sacrifice, but it leads to a far deeper and enduring happiness than anything the world can offer.
