Together on the Journey: A Weekly Word from Archbishop Hebda
Bishop Kenney was in Rome last week and had the opportunity to ask Pope Leo for his prayers as he continues his treatments for lung cancer. Who knew that Pope Leo would himself be facing an operation to remove a nodule on his lung? Please join me in praying for Pope Leo as well as for Bishop Kenney and all those in need of God’s healing.
On a happier note, I was delighted to learn that today, on the first official occurrence of St. Carlo Acutis’ feast day (last year, Oct. 12 landed on a Sunday), St. Peter Catholic School in North St. Paul was consecrated to his patronage. Passing into eternal life at the young age of 15 in 2006, St. Carlo is a great example for youth. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting patron for the students at St. Peter’s (or for any other students). The fact that he lived in Milan (the spiritual birthplace of the priestly community that serves at St. Peter’s—the Fraternity of the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo) probably adds a little icing to the cake (or maybe “gelato” to the “torta”).
St. Carlo Acutis has appropriately been called the patron saint of our digital age—one who can speak to the youth of today in a unique way (as evidenced by the number of teens who have been choosing him as their confirmation saint). Aside from St. Carlo’s age and relatable enthusiasm for video games (I never imagined I would see a saint who had played Pokémon), he shares with so many of the youth of our archdiocese a genuine joie de vivre. In the case of St. Carlo, he channeled that passion not into passing popular trends but rather into projects for the glory of God. The website that he designed to teach about Eucharistic miracles (which still exists today) is just one example of his passion. He was also involved in other forms of communication, such as newspapers and film—which is why our Archdiocesan Office of Communications sought his patronage for its digital studio as well.
Pope Leo recently announced the theme for the upcoming World Communications Day: “A New Gaze: Paying Attention in the Age of Clickbait.” At the time of the announcement, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communications shared, “The lack of genuine attention, fueled by digital culture, has accustomed us to a routine of rapid reactions, to superficial relationships, and to the ease with which we label and reject others.” That resonates with me. I see how the digital age has negatively impacted my attention span…so it’s not difficult to imagine how it could be particularly detrimental to our youth. You may recall that I noted in my pastoral letter to families that the U.S. Surgeon General had already declared back in 2023 an “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” stemming from, in part, social media, smart phones, virtual reality and artificial intelligence (AI).
I don’t see that improving. All too often, in fact, I hear from parents that screens are playing an outsized role in family life. I was at a celebration of the 175th anniversary of St. John the Evangelist parish in Little Canada this weekend and was delighted to hear from the principal of the parish school that he’s encouraging parents to put away all phones at the dinner table—bravo! I know that change is difficult…but I would imagine that St. Carlo Acutis could be a great intercessor for us in that regard, encouraging families to place attention where it is needed most: on God and on each other.
Beyond the digital influence, St. Carlo set an honorable example for any teen striving for holiness. In his approach to sports and video games, he taught us the value of enjoying things in moderation. He made a point of spending more time in prayer than he did in front of the television. At a time when it would have been easy to prioritize athletics, Carlo made his priority the Mass. Beginning on the day of his first Communion, Carlo tried to attend Mass every day.
By St. Carlo’s example in daily life, those around him came to know Christ more fully. The testimony of his friends (and even his mother) in this regard is very convincing. They were struck—as I am—by his ability to put the relationship with Christ at the very center of his life. I know that St. Carlo isn’t alone in that: I’ve been pleased to meet many teens and young adults in our Archdiocesan parishes and schools who demonstrate great spiritual maturity and make prayer a priority amidst all the distractions around them. I’ve been impressed, for example, by the spiritual maturity of the teens in our archdiocese who have served on prayer teams for Extreme Faith Camp. St. Carlo would be proud!
I am happy to report that the Archdiocesan Office of Discipleship and Evangelization now includes a director for youth and young adults (Sarah Ginther). I am hoping that by having an expert at the director level to oversee this portion of the office’s mission, the Archdiocese will be in a better position to serve parents, parishes and schools in reaching youth and young adults.
I’m pleased that the recently launched newsletter for young adults, with relevant details concerning local events and ministries, seems to be well received. I am also delighted that the director and office are trying to generate excitement for World Youth Day next year in Seoul. I’m already looking forward to the pilgrimage. What could be better than Pope Leo AND Korean barbecue?
I trust that the Lord, especially through the intercession of St. Carlo, will continue even in this digital age to bring forth new models for holiness for all of us, but especially for our young brothers and sisters. Please keep that intention in your prayers on this first feast day of our young saint. St. Carlo Acutis, pray for us!
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