Do we even have to tell you that we at FOCUS love the saints?
From the earliest saints to the ones living and breathing right now, saints are and have always been the life of the Church. They have inspired, evangelized, and loved Christ’s people since the beginning, and we are always looking for guidance from their lives.
Today, let’s dive into the stories of some of the newest Catholic saints; those who have recently been canonized in 2024, and those we look forward to celebrating in 2025.
Complete with fantastic backstories, these saints from various backgrounds remind us of the vibrant tapestry of faith that connects us all:
Recently Canonized in 2024
Giuseppe Allamano
Giuseppe Allamano is the patron saint of the Consolata Missionaries and the Consolata Missionary Sisters, both of which he founded. These orders are dedicated to serving in remote areas around the world. They are dedicated to providing spiritual guidance as well as essential healthcare and educational services. Giuseepe’s feast day falls on February 16th.
Fun Fact: His confessor and spiritual director was Saint John Bosco, founder of the Salesians, and one of FOCUS’s patron saints!
The Martyrs of Damascus
Manuel Ruiz López & 10 Companions and The Massabki Brothers’ feast day falls on July 10th.
The Martyrs of Damascus include two distinct groups:
- The Massabki Brothers (Francis, Abdel Moati, and Raphael Massabki): Three Maronite laymen who were slain in Damascus in 1860, known for their steadfast faith and martyrdom during a period of intense anti-Christian violence.
- Manuel Ruiz and 7 Companions: Comprising Manuel Ruiz López and his fellow Franciscan friars, who were also martyred in 1860 in Damascus, demonstrating profound courage and devotion to their faith amid persecution.
Fun Fact: St. Manuel and his companions dedicated significant effort to translating contemporary Christian texts into Arabic, a remarkable endeavor that advances evangelization and the Christian faith in Arabic-speaking regions.
María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa
Also known as “Mama Antula”, she is the patron saint of the Missions in Argentina. Born in 1730 in Argentina, she founded the “Beaterio de Belén” in Argentina, a house of retreat for women. Her feast day is celebrated on March 7th.
Fun Fact: She was a huge advocate of Ignatian prayer.
Marie-Léonie Paradis
Fun Fact: Marie-Léonie Paradis was known as the queen of administration, celebrated for founding the Little Sisters of the Holy Family in the mid 1800s.
The Little Sisters of the Holy Family are dedicated to supporting clergy by handling domestic duties in seminaries and rectories, allowing priests to focus more on their pastoral and spiritual roles. Her feast day falls on May 4th.
Elena Guerra
We have Elena Guerra to thank for our ever increasing devotion and understanding of the Holy Spirit. She influenced Pope Leo XIII to promote devotion to the Holy Spirit, leading him to dedicate the 20th century to the Holy Spirit.
She also founded the Oblates of the Holy Spirit, an order dedicated to the education and formation of young women. Her feast day is celebrated on April 11th.
Thérèse of Saint Augustine & 15 Companions
An interesting fact about these sisters: they are considered the first martyrs of the French Revolution.
These brave nuns maintained their faith and communal prayers despite the French Revolution’s harsh suppression of religious communities. They ultimately faced the guillotine while singing hymns of praise. They were canonized on December 18, 2024 and their feast day is on July 17th.
Looking Forward to 2025
Carlo Acutis
A true modern saint, he is the patron saint of the internet and wifi.
Carlo Acutis is admired by young Catholics, tech enthusiasts, and those inspired by his integration of faith with digital technology. Using his skills, he created a website to compile all the known miracles of the Eucharist. He is also known for his courageous battle with leukemia and death at the age of 15 in 2006. Set for canonization on April 27, 2025, Carlo is already adopted by many young people as a patron.
Fun Fact: Carlo was an avid computer programmer who created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles worldwide.
Pier Giorgio Frassati
Pier Giorgio Frassati opposed the Fascist regime in Italy, advocating for the poor and emphasizing the Church’s teachings on dignity and justice. He died from poliomyelitis at the young age of 24, most likely contracted from the sick people he cared for. Thousands of people attended his funeral, consisting mostly of the poor whom Frassati had secretly helped throughout his life. He is to be canonized on August 3, 2025, in Rome.
Fun Fact: He was a serial prankster – some of his pranks included switching up signs in his town and bringing a donkey to his family dinner – all lighthearted ways he used to share the joy of Christ.
Upcoming Without a Set Date
Maria Troncatti
Maria was a missionary who devoted her life to providing medical and pastoral care to indigenous populations in South America starting in the 1920s. She was known to foster peace among warring tribes, often stepping into dangerous situations to mediate conflicts. She was greatly respected for her faith, courage, and genuine love for the people.
Fun Fact: Maria didn’t just serve as a nurse and missionary; she also acted as a dentist, surgeon and teacher!
Luigia Poloni
Luigia Poloni co-founded the Sisters of Mercy of Verona during the 1800s. She spent her life caring for the sick, establishing hospitals, and establishing community among the marginalized of Verona.
Fun Fact: She had a habit of giving amusing nicknames to her fellow sisters and coworkers based on their personalities or habits – always with affection, of course!
These saints challenge us to reflect on our paths and to live out our faith with renewed energy and commitment. They are not just historical figures; they are role models who continue to inspire and guide us.
As we celebrate these newest Catholic saints, let’s carry forward their legacy of faith, hope, and love. Let’s discuss—how can we incorporate their virtues into our daily lives? How can their examples help us to be better missionaries in our own right?
Here’s a handy list of the newest Catholic saints saints, categorized by their missions:
All the Newest Catholic Saints Canonized in 2024:
Founders and Visionaries
- Giuseppe Allamano: Founder of the Consolata Missionaries and the Consolata Missionary Sisters, expanding global missionary efforts.
- Marie-Léonie Paradis: Founder of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family, known for supporting clergy through dedicated service.
Educators and Advocates
- María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa: Known for her role in spiritual education and formation of young women in South America.
- Elena Guerra: Founder of the Oblates of the Holy Spirit, advocate for the Holy Spirit’s role within the Church, significantly influencing religious education.
Martyrs
- Manuel Ruiz López & 10 Companions: Group martyred during religious persecutions, exemplifying courage and steadfast faith.
- Thérèse of Saint Augustine & 15 Companions: Martyrs of the French Revolution, known for their bravery and commitment to their faith under extreme duress.
Anticipated Canonizations in 2025
Youth Inspirators
- Carlo Acutis: A modern teenager known for his work documenting Eucharistic miracles, inspiring young Catholics with his faith and innovative use of technology.
- Pier Giorgio Frassati: Celebrated for his charitable works and passion for mountaineering, embodying joyful service and deep faith.
Missionaries and Humanitarians (Date TBD)
- Maria Troncatti: Missionary nurse who dedicated her life to the indigenous populations in South America, providing both medical and pastoral care.
- Luigia Poloni: Founder of a religious community focused on the care and education of vulnerable women and children, showing a profound commitment to social welfare.
Additional Resources
Inspired after learning about the newest Catholic saints? Read more about the saints on our blog: Your Favorite Saints’ Favorite Saints, Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary?, 5 Lessons from St. Josephine Bakhita, What is a Catholic Saint?, 3 Reasons to Love St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower.
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