Together on the Journey: A Weekly Word from Archbishop Hebda
“In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.” That psalm response from yesterday’s Mass has been resonating in my heart as we continue to confront the impact of the August 27 tragedy at Annunciation, Minneapolis. We are reminded to turn to our God at this time and always.
I’m so grateful for the many emails, calls and letters promising prayers for the families of Annunciation and for the Archdiocese, as well as for the support that has been given to the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund. I also appreciate the advice that so many of you have been offering for how we can concretely and locally respond to Pope Leo’s request that we work for an end to the “pandemic of arms.”
I continue to be grateful as well for the many signs of the Lord’s presence that we have received in the midst of our challenges, reminders that Jesus is the true Light who shines in the darkness. I’ve spoken about many local examples in recent weeks, pointing in particular to the heroism, faith and resilience of the Annunciation community.
One of those rays of hope came yesterday in the canonization by Pope Leo of Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, two young and relatable examples of holiness, already well known among our Catholic young adult and teenage communities. Both passed away from illness at a young age: Carlo at 15 and Pier Giorgio at 24.
In an era in which commentators are noting that younger generations seem to be returning to the faith, it comes as no surprise that the two newly canonized young people are being heralded as saints for our times. Saint Carlo Acutis, our first Millennial saint, played video games and built a website to share Eucharistic miracles with the world. Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, born 90 years before Carlo, shared his joyful witness by serving those in need through the St. Vincent de Paul Society and by leading his peers to an encounter with Christ.
I can’t help but think of these saints in light of Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, the two students at Annunciation whose earthly lives were cut short as a result of the tragic shooting in Minneapolis. As I recall the descriptions of Fletcher at his funeral yesterday and as I continue to learn about Harper, it is clear to me that their extraordinary zest for life, their kindness and their sense of wonder about God’s creation would have made them good friends of Pier Giorgio and Carlo, young people who shared those traits.
Like Saints Carlo and Pier Giorgio, Harper and Fletcher remind us that even a short life can have a tremendous impact. They clearly brought light and joy to their families and to the Annunciation community, and I am counting on their heavenly intercession, as well as that of our two newly canonized saints, as we strive to be the Lord’s instruments as he works to bring hope and healing into a grieving community. “In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.”
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