Pope Leo XIV Impromptu remarks before Holy Mass and the Rite of Canonization

Good morning, everyone! Happy Sunday and welcome! Thank you!

Brothers and sisters, today is a wonderful feast for all of Italy, for the whole Church, for the whole world! Before beginning the solemn celebration of the Canonization, I wanted to greet you all and say a few words, because, while the celebration is very solemn, it is also a day of great joy! I wished especially to greet the many young people who have come for this Holy Mass! It is truly a blessing from the Lord to be here together with all of you who have come from different countries. It is truly a gift of faith that we want to share.

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This Sunday, September 7, 2025, marks a momentous occasion in the life of our Church. In St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV will preside over his very first canonization Mass, elevating Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati to the altars of sainthood—a profound gift especially dear to the hearts of young Catholics .

The new pope’s choice of these two youthful and inspiring figures speaks volumes. Though separated by nearly a century, Acutis and Frassati share a remarkable devotion to Christ and a passionate commitment to living the Gospel in modern life .

Carlo Acutis, a teenager born in 1991 who passed away at age 15 from leukemia, combined typical youthful interests—video games, pets, soccer—with profound devotion. He used his computer skills to curate a website of Eucharistic miracles, earning him the endearing title, “God’s Influencer.” His canonization recognizes two miracles attributed to his intercession and marks him as the Church’s first millennial saint .

Pier Giorgio Frassati, born in 1901 and called the “Man of the Beatitudes”, lived a brief but brilliantly holy life, dying at 24 from polio. Known for his deep spirituality, charitable outreach through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and adventurous spirit as a mountaineer, Frassati embodied joy, service, and faith .

Though both were originally scheduled for canonization during jubilee events—Acutis in April and Frassati in August—the passing of Pope Francis in April delayed those plans. Pope Leo XIV has now brought these young blessings together in a single, meaningful celebration this Sunday .

In a time when so many feel disconnected from the faith, these new saints stand as luminous models: a tech-savvy teen who found holiness online, and a joyful mountaineer who chased heaven while helping the needy. May their stories inspire us—young and old—to walk more closely with Christ in our own, everyday lives.

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One day, someone asked the Pope why he once gave away a BMW motorcycle, but never a Harley-Davidson. The Holy Father smiled and said,
“Well, my child, sometimes you must give away the good… but you never give away the holy.”

You see, the Pope explained that BMWs are fine machines, practical and efficient. But a Harley? That’s different. A Harley is a pilgrimage on two wheels, a hymn sung in chrome and thunder. Even saints would pause at the roar of a Harley and say, “Now that sounds like Heaven’s engine.”

And so the Pope gave away the BMW with joy, but he kept the Harley—for even Popes know some treasures are better shared by riding them down the road, blessing the wind, and scaring off a few devils with the rumble of the pipes.

Together in Action 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope

Together in Action (TIA) is the Diocese of Calgary’s annual campaign to support key ministries, partner organizations, and agencies.

As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, we are invited to live out the words of St. Paul in Romans 12:12:
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer."

Through TIA, we put this call into action—offering hope, supporting those facing hardship, and strengthening the Church’s mission.

The 2025 Together in Action campaign seeks to raise funds for essential initiatives, including:

• Care for retired priests
• Hospital chaplaincy and pastoral care
• Diocesan ministries that serve our parishes
• The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund

Our Parish Goal: $24,463
Raised so far: $6,427

We are deeply grateful for the generosity of those who have already contributed. Your support allows us to care for those in need and build up the mission of the Church here in our diocese.

If you have not yet had the chance to give, we warmly encourage you to prayerfully consider making a donation. Every gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal and makes a difference in the lives of many.

👉 Together, let us walk as Pilgrims of Hope and live out our faith in action!

The 9:00 am Mass on Monday, September 8 is cancelled, as Fr. Mariusz will be attending the Jubilee Mass for Priests with Bishop McGrattan.
Regular Mass will resume as usual.

At the start of this school year, Bishop McGrattan reminds us that Catholic education is more than academics, as it forms missionary disciples, safeguards Catholic identity, and inspires hope in a culture often indifferent to faith. Read Bishop's full reflection on the mission and future of Catholic schools in our diocese.