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faithful and fearless youth
From Pope Francis’ call to dream of great things to Carlo Acutis’ life of joyful holiness, young people are invited to live with purpose.
pope francis
Called to greatness
Pope Francis has shared many inspiring words with young people. One of his well-known quotes is:
"Dear young people, do not bury your talents, the gifts that God has given you! Do not be afraid to dream of great things!"
He often encouraged youth to take risks, embrace hope, and live with enthusiasm. If you're looking for more of his wisdom, you can explore his messages here.
FAITHFUL, JOYFUL & CREATIVE
CARLO ACUTIS
Carlo Acutis was a remarkable young man who lived a short but impactful life. Born on 3rd May 1991, in London to Italian parents, he grew up in Milan, Italy. Despite his youth, Carlo was deeply devoted to his faith, particularly to the Eucharist, which he described as his "highway to heaven." He was known for his kindness, cheerfulness, and a passion for technology, which he used to create a website documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world.
Carlo passed away from leukaemia at the age of 15 on 12th October 2006, offering his suffering for the Church and the Pope. His life and faith inspired many, leading to his beatification by Pope Francis on 10th October 2020. He will be canonized as the first millennial saint in 2025.
Carlo's legacy continues to inspire people globally, especially young people, as a modern example of living a virtuous and faith-filled life. His story is a testament to how ordinary actions, when done with extraordinary love and faith, can leave a lasting impact.
Holiness Through Service
Pier Giorgio Frassati
Pier Giorgio Frassati was a man of the Beatitudes, as St. John Paul II called him. Born in 1901 to a prominent Italian family, Pier Giorgio Frassati lived only 24 years, but his legacy is radiant with joy, justice, and deep Eucharistic devotion. He was a mountaineer, a student of engineering, a member of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, and a tireless servant of the poor. His motto, “Verso l’alto” (“To the heights”), captured both his love of climbing and his spiritual aspiration.
Despite his privileged background, he gave away nearly everything he had—his time, his money, even his bus fare—to help those in need. He once said, “Jesus comes to me every morning in Holy Communion, and I repay Him in my miserable way by visiting the poor.”
Bl. The SVP chose Giorgio Frassati as the patron of Vincentian Youth because of his love for the Church, his spirituality, his life as a member of a Vincentian Conference, his ability to engage with the poor and his unconditional love for them. As a matter of fact, Pier Giorgio was a young man who devoted his life to God while serving those most in need. That’s why he should be regarded as a role model for the youth. He followed the Vincentian Charism and reached holiness.
His canonisation on 7 September 2025, alongside Blessed Carlo Acutis, is a powerful reminder that holiness is not reserved for the cloistered or the ordained—it’s for anyone who dares to love radically.
HOLINESS IN THE ORDINARY
Pedro Ballester Arenas
Pedro Ballester Arenas was born in Manchester to Spanish parents and spent much of his childhood in Harrogate. His life, though brief, was marked by profound faith, quiet courage, and a deep commitment to holiness in the everyday.
As a numerary member of Opus Dei, Pedro embraced celibacy and a vocation to live a life of sanctity in the midst of the world. While studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester, he resided at Greygarth Hall, the Opus Dei centre in the city — a place that became both his spiritual home and community.
At just 18 years old, Pedro was diagnosed with bone cancer. He faced his illness with unwavering trust in God, famously saying, “I gave my life when I said ‘yes’ to my vocation.” His witness — gentle, joyful, and deeply rooted in faith — touched thousands. In 2015, he met Pope Francis and shared his journey publicly, becoming an inspiration to many around the world.
Pedro died in 2018 at the age of 21. His funeral, attended by over 500 people and 40 priests, was a testament to the lives he had touched and the quiet strength of his spiritual witness.
In 2023, the Diocese of Manchester formally requested the opening of his cause for sainthood — a recognition of the holiness with which Pedro lived, marked by such grace and humility.
Pedro’s story continues to echo in the hearts of those who knew him and those who have come to know him through his testimony. His life reminds us that sanctity is not reserved for the few, but is possible — even radiant — in the midst of suffering, study, and ordinary days.
