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The Jubilee, known as the Holy Year, is currently attracting millions of visitors to Rome and the Vatican City.
This Sunday, Pope Leo XIV will lead the canonization ceremony of Carlo Acutis, a young computer programmer, alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, an Italian student with a love for nature and the outdoors.
Fr. Charlie Gallagher, the pastor of Immaculate Conception Church located in Washington, D.C., has made the journey to Rome to participate in this momentous event.
Gallagher shared his thoughts from Rome, saying, “The atmosphere here exudes an expectant joy, almost electric.”
As part of the Jubilee celebrations, the Vatican anticipates over 32 million pilgrims will visit during this special year, according to reports from the U.S. Embassy in Italy.
“I know there are many from D.C. here, including a small group from my parish,” Gallagher expressed, emphasizing the communal aspect of such an important occasion.
He estimates a crowd of at least 250,000 worshipers will gather in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
This canonization holds personal significance for Gallagher, who feels a strong connection to Pier Giorgio Frassati.
“I chose Pier Giorgio Frassati as my patron when I decided to pursue the priesthood,” Gallagher explained. “I began corresponding with his niece, Wanda.” Pier Giorgio passed away in 1925, and shortly after, his sister Luciana welcomed Wanda into the world.
Wanda is someone Gallagher has known for two decades. Their first meeting occurred while he was a seminarian in Rome, and he inquired about the impact her uncle had on her life.
Gallagher noted that Pope John Paul II referred to Frassati as the ‘Man of the Beatitudes,’ highlighting his exemplary embodiment of the Gospel. “Frassati radiated joy and spontaneity,” he stated.
“With every fiber of his being, he illustrates how to draw others to Jesus Christ,” Gallagher added.
Reflecting on Carlo Acutis, Gallagher mentioned that although Acutis was intelligent, his academic performance wasn’t always stellar, including instances of failing tests.
When his mother questioned him about his grades, Acutis reportedly replied that he prioritized spreading devotion to the Eucharist and promoting the understanding of Eucharistic miracles.
Gallagher spent four years living in Rome while studying as a seminarian at the North American College starting in 2007. He reminisces about those years as he revisits the city.
“Being back in Rome brings back a flood of memories,” Gallagher said. “I’m grateful for the chance to visit my favorite churches and indulge in some authentic Carbonara!”
Pope Francis has been a fervent advocate for Carlo Acutis’s canonization, according to reports from The Associated Press. The Pope believes that Acutis’s example could magnetize young Catholics to the faith while addressing the challenges and opportunities of the digital era.
Pope Leo XIV has taken on the Acutis cause, also recognizing technology, particularly artificial intelligence, as a significant challenge that society must confront.
With the canonization ceremony approaching, the sense of anticipation in Rome grows stronger. Pilgrims from around the world will unite to celebrate the legacies of these two remarkable individuals.
Both Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati serve as inspirations, representing diverse paths to holiness in the modern age. Their stories resonate with the youth, blending contemporary relevance with enduring faith.
As the jubilation builds, the expected turnout for Sunday’s events signifies the powerful impact of these figures on individuals and communities alike.
For many, attending this canonization is not just an act of faith; it symbolizes a deep connection to the broader Church and its mission in today’s world.
As Rome prepares for the weekend festivities, discussions about the lasting influence of Acutis and Frassati dominate conversations among the gathered faithful.
In a time when the Church faces numerous challenges, the canonizations of these two saints offer hope and direction for future generations.
As Gallagher and countless others gather to commemorate this significant event, their hearts resonate with the timeless message of living authentically and joyfully in faith. The legacy of these newly canonized saints will surely continue to inspire many along their spiritual journeys.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
