Just this past week two new saints were canonized by the Church. Pope Leo offered a Mass and recognized that the beatified Carlo Acutis and Pierre Giogio Frassati have met the criteria to be elevated to sainthood. A series of miracles attributed to each of the holy young men gave proof that they are truly saints.

Just the process to introduce a cause for sainthood, the acceptance of the cause, the further process to determine the validity of that cause, and the verification of sainthood is truly amazing and arduous. There is an entire office with the Vatican that handles all these cases or causes. Their mission is to authenticate each cause and present it to the Holy Father for his final approval.

On one hand, these two very young saints have a compelling reason to learn about their lives and prayerfully consider their message to a modern world. They are truly a part of the world in which we live.

On the other hand, their journey to be recognized as saints serves as a metaphor for the journey which our Porter County Deanery has embarked. Well actually, the whole Diocese has begun the same process but our Deanery and its decisions given its particular nature and make up has a unique task to complete.

Each has a particular process to follow. There are rules and objectives that guide the process. It is first and foremost a prayerful process. The guidance of the Holy Spirit is essential. Second, the outcome is intended to serve the mission of the Church, be it the Universal Catholic Church or be it the Diocese of Gary. Third, it requires authentic data, verification, and a sense that it is truthfully directed by God.

Neither are merely human endeavors. Each involves human elements and impacts human beings yet they must be rooted in and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Both Saint Carlo and Saint Pierre Giogio offer us a reason to celebrate with joy. Their lives were filled with joy and hope. Their holiness is inspiring. Their stories provide strength and hope.

As we continue our earthly journey to restructure our churches, let San Carlo and San Pierre Giogio inspire us to have hope, to instill trust, and strengthen us to recognize the Eucharist is also our highway to heaven and the ability to climb to new heights.