By Diego López Marina
ACI Prensa Staff, Feb 15, 2025 / 06:00 am
Six young people who lived with deep faith and committed their lives to the Church that Jesus founded are on their way to being proclaimed saints, with most of them currently on the path to beatification.
From Carlo Acutis, the “cyber apostle of the Eucharist,” to Akash Bashir, Pakistan’s first servant of God who gave his life protecting the faithful from a suicide bomber, these witnesses challenge the idea that holiness is simply a thing of the past.
Below is a brief sketch of these young millennials — those born between 1981 and 1996 — who followed Jesus with all their hearts and today are a source of inspiration to new generations.
1. Pierangelo Capuzzimati
The Servant of God Pierangelo Capuzzimati was a young Italian who from the age of 14 suffered from leukemia but lived with strong faith and a deep trust in God. He was born in Taranto, Italy, in 1990 and grew up in a peaceful environment with his family in Faggiano.
His illness, far from plunging him into despair, led him to intensify his spiritual life, devoting his time to prayer, study, and contemplation of the beauty of creation.
An admirer of the thought of the saints and with a great passion for the history of the Church, his testimony of serenity and dedication left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
Inspirational Stories of Faith: Two Young Souls on the Path to Sainthood
On April 30, 2008, a young man named Capuzzimati passed away at the age of 17, believing that his suffering was a divine gift. His unwavering faith and conviction in the face of adversity left a lasting impact on those around him.
Fast forward to April 26, 2018, when the Holy See granted approval for the opening of Capuzzimati’s cause for beatification. After an extensive collection of testimonies and documents about his life and virtues, the diocesan phase of the process concluded on Jan. 20, 2024. Now, all the gathered information will be sent to the Vatican for further evaluation by theologians and historians. If Capuzzimati’s heroic virtues are recognized, he will be declared venerable, taking a significant step towards potential sainthood.
2. Sister Clare Crockett
Sister Clare Crockett, a vibrant young woman from Derry, Northern Ireland, initially pursued a career in the entertainment industry. However, a profound encounter with Christ during a retreat led her to embrace a religious vocation with the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother.
Clare’s life was characterized by joy, selflessness, and unwavering faith. Tragically, she lost her life during an earthquake in Ecuador on April 16, 2016, while assisting her students at a community school.
Following the approval of her cause for beatification in 2023, the diocesan phase officially commenced on Jan. 12, 2025, in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. Countless reports of graces and conversions attributed to her intercession have surfaced since her passing, including accounts of possible miracles and religious vocations. The ecclesiastical tribunal is currently investigating her life and virtues, paving the way for her potential beatification.
3. A Journey of Faith and Devotion
Stay tuned for more updates on these inspiring stories of faith and devotion as these young souls continue their journey towards sainthood. Their unwavering belief in the face of challenges serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who encounter their stories.
