New England Campus Celebrates Frassati, Acutis Canonization

Sunday, September 7 marked the canonization day for Sts. Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlos Acutis, and students at Thomas Aquinas College, New England, were excited to celebrate the two new saints.

At 7:00 p.m., students attended Adoration in Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel in thanksgiving for the canonizations. Head chaplain Rev. Greg Markey gave a brief sermon in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, hailing these young new saints and their wholehearted embrace of God’s will. “These two young men lived lives of heroic virtue,” he said. “By their witness, we see that it is an adventure to give one’s life over to Christ — more engaging, more challenging, more rewarding.”

After Fr. Markey’s remarks, the congregation sat in silence before the Blessed Sacrament, then concluded with the Rosary and Benediction. Then, all moved to St. Frassati Student Center to enjoy a celebratory social. Renamed for the now-patron saint of young people in 2022, Frassati Student Center is one of the most popular and prominent buildings on the New England campus, and students were happy to celebrate its namesake’s sainthood. “It really just fits,” explained Zachary Stark (‘27). “St. Pier Giorgio was famed for his sociability, his humor, and his ability to bring people to the faith through friendship.”

A large crowd of students, faculty and families enjoyed Italian sodas in honor of the new Italian saints. Cheerful Italian music played in the background, and students continued to stream in and join the party, chatting and playing games under St. Frassati’s portrait.

“This is a big day for TAC,” Margaret Asjes (‘29) declared. “Having St. Pier Giorgio as the patron of this building is so moving: It will always bring to mind the power of prayer.”

Sts. Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlos Acutis, pray for us!

More photos from the Frassati and Acutis celebration

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