How To Become A Saint

If you haven’t noticed by now, I should tell you I am a big follower of the saints…those officially canonized and those who are just living amazing examples of saintly lives. On the 4th of July we not only remembered the freedom of our nation, but also of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati who was mentioned last weekend. This past week we received a list from the Vatican that mentions the Holy Father has approved the canonization of 15 people, including Blessed Carlo Acutis who was born in 1991 and died due to leukemia when he was only 15 years old. Carlo will be the first millennial to be proclaimed a saint! He was known for his devotion to Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions. He even designed his own website to promote these devotions. Why not listen to his voice on a podcast that he put together with a friend (https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com).

I happened upon his grave in Assisi a few years ago, without even knowing who he was. At first, I just couldn’t figure out why there was a tomb with a glass panel so we could see him. It didn’t take long to realize why he was on the road to sainthood…not after death, but during his short life time. Some may wonder how a fifteen year could become a saint when he was surrounded with teenage temptations and weaknesses. If you take a moment to pray with Saint Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians we hear for Mass this weekend, you will find out that it is only when you are willing to give your very weaknesses to Jesus Christ that you will know His strength. So it is only through our weakness we refuse to hold on to is the very way we can become saints. "Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for
power is made perfect in weakness.’ I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ
may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the
sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor 12:7-10)

Please take a moment this week to pray with Carlo for the youth in our parish and in your life. And, don’t be
afraid of your weaknesses…that is, unless you hold on to them. Why not let Jesus take care of them so you may
know His strength.

Pax,
Fr. G. David Bline