Joy as Redemptoris Mater Seminary witnesses canonisation of patron, St Frassati

by Admin · Published September 8, 2025 · Updated September 8, 2025

By Rachele Hochhousler – A profound moment of grace and joy was experienced in St Peter’s Square during the canonisation of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, with the entire Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary from Cape Town – together with their rector and vice rector – present at the celebration.

For the seminarians, their participation held a deep spiritual significance: Pier Giorgio Frassati has long been venerated as the patron saint of their seminary, whose sacred relics are preserved in the seminary’s chapel in Rondebosch. His life of charity, youthful enthusiasm, and tireless love for Christ continues to inspire the missionary vocation of the seminarians who follow in his footsteps.

South Africa was also blessed with a unique privilege. The seminarians had the honour of representing South Africa and meeting Pier Giorgio’s family and engaging in personal conversation with his niece, who is still alive and bears witness to her uncle’s luminous legacy. They also visited the house where the saint once lived and where he entered eternal life, a moving experience that deepened their bond with the man now officially recognised among the saints of the Church.

“This is a historic moment, and a great privilege for Cape Town and for South Africa,” said Dino Furgione, head of the Neocatechumenal Way in the country. “To be home to the relics of a newly canonised saint, protector of World Youth Days, and a saint who, together with Carlo Acutis, will inspire many young people of South Africa – especially those whom the Neocatechumenal Way is helping by announcing Christ, who changes your life.”

The canonisation of these two modern saints offers a renewed call to holiness for young people across the world. For South Africa, and particularly for the Redemptoris Mater Seminary, it marks a moment of great encouragement in their mission of evangelisation and service to the Church.