- 22 September, 2025
September 19, 2025
The historic canonisation of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati on September 7, 2025, at St. Peter’s Basilica was not only a milestone for the universal Church but also a moment of deep pride for India. Among the thousands present, one young Keralite priest stood in a place of honour: Fr. Ephrem Kunnappally, the first English-language biographer of Carlo Acutis. Specially invited by the Acutis family, he concelebrated the canonisation Mass alongside Pope Leo XIV.
For Fr. Ephrem, the day was doubly historic. During the Mass, Pope Leo blessed his new book—Beatitudes on the Web and Mountain: Pope Leo XIV’s First Saints—and also the foundation stone for a Carlo Acutis museum in India. Later, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, formally released the book, which portrays St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Frassati as complementary models of holiness: one in the digital world, the other in social action and fraternity.
A Ministry of Remarkable Reach
Born in Upputhara, a village in Kerala’s Idukki district, Fr. Ephrem was ordained on 4 July 2023—the feast day of Pier Giorgio Frassati. In just two years of his priesthood, he has authored over 100 books, organised 1,500+ relic expositions across India, and emerged as a sought-after retreat preacher, especially among the youth. His energy and prolific output led Pope Francis, through the Apostolic Nunciature in India, to affectionately refer to him as “Carlo’s Brother”.
A Night in the Saint’s Bed
During his time in Italy in the lead-up to the canonisation of Sts. Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, Fr. Ephrem was blessed with a series of remarkable experiences. Among them was a rare and moving privilege: an invitation from the Frassati family to spend a night in their historic home. There, he was given the extraordinary opportunity to sleep in the very bed once used by Pier Giorgio Frassati himself. Reflecting on the experience, Fr. Ephrem described it as “deeply humbling and transformative”.
A Preacher Who Captured Rome’s Attention
Another remarkable moment during Fr. Ephrem’s time in Italy came when he was invited to preach at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, just days before the canonisation. In his homily, he offered a theologically rich reflection on the spiritual lives of young people. His sermon drew warm praise from bishops, cardinals, and members of the Frassati family. Archbishop Guy de Kérimel of Toulouse publicly commended both his preaching and writing—further cementing his reputation as one of the most promising young Catholic voices.
Receiving Praise in the Vatican Gardens
After the canonisation Mass on September 7, Fr. Ephrem attended a private luncheon hosted by the Acutis family in the Vatican Gardens. Several guests, including cardinals, ambassadors, and senior Vatican officials, praised his evangelising work during the function. Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino offered perhaps the highest tribute, calling him “the living pen of the Holy Spirit.”
Conclusion
Fr. Ephrem’s presence at the canonisation was far more than a personal honour. His preaching at the Gregorian University in Rome, the blessing of his book, and the recognition he received from leading Church figures underscore how voices from the Global South are reshaping Catholic conversations about holiness. His message is simple yet compelling: holiness can be lived out in the everyday habits of young people—in digital acts of faith like St. Carlo Acutis, or in concrete steps of service like Pier Giorgio Frassati."
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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