Two young saints, one who loved mountaineering and the other rocked Nike sneakers: Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati prove holiness doesn’t mean leaving normal life behind—it means living it to the fullest with Christ. 

Father Dave and Deacon Bob reflect on Pope Leo’s homily at the canonization Mass for these two young Italians and explore why so many saints begin saying yes to God in their youth. 

True to They That Hope form, they take a lap through the weekend in sports, from NFL openers to U.S. Open storylines to the eternal LeBron vs. Jordan debate. Then they settle into the title’s theme: modern sanctity. Carlo’s wisdom (“In front of the sun you get a tan; in front of the Eucharist, you become a saint”) and Frassati’s cry “to the heights!” frame a simple invitation: say yes to the Lord today. 

They close with campus updates, a prayer, and a warm invitation to share your favorite podcast memories. Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us! 

 

Highlighted Sections 

(00:29 ) Jubilee of Hope and Merch Madness 

Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick things off with playful banter about sponsors, the Jubilee Year of Hope, and whether the pope might be a secret podcast listener. They also remind everyone there’s one last chance to snag They That Hope merch, including the highly prized Heather Khym mug, at CatholicToTheMax.com. 

(07:24 ) NFL, Tennis, and the LeBron vs. Jordan Debate 

They next jump into sports to discuss the NFL’s opening weekend, recap the US Open finals, and, of course, argue over The Athletic’s “Basketball 100.” Jordan or LeBron? The debate continues. 

(15:47 ) Franciscan Homecoming Preview 

Campus is buzzing for Homecoming Weekend with chapel tours, a St. Francis Festival, and alumni reunions. Father Dave and Deacon Bob share details on the newly renovated Christ the King Chapel and joke about who may—or may not—be getting awards at the banquet. (Pssst, sign up to join Homecoming here.) 

(21:43 ) Five Years of Movies, Memes, and Memories 

Looking back on the podcast’s run, the hosts laugh about their obsessions (Hamilton, Top Gun, Black Widow) and reflect on milestones from solar eclipses to campus life during COVID. They recall both joyful and sobering moments, always framed through the lens of hope. 

(26:16 ) Modern Saints for Modern Times 

Next, they move into the heart of the episode: celebrating the canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. Father Dave and Deacon Bob highlight the families present in Rome, the youthful joy of both saints, and the reminder that holiness often begins with a simple yes lived in ordinary life. 

(32:54 ) Carlo’s Wisdom in His Own Words 

“In front of the sun you get a tan; in front of the Eucharist, you become a saint!” The hosts share Carlo’s best lines on joy, sin, and holiness, and revisit his Eucharistic Miracles project as a reminder of how young people enrich the Church. 

(35:37 ) Prayer and Sending Forth 

The episode closes with gratitude for these new saints, a prayer for their intercession, and a heartfelt thank-you to listeners. As the season draws to a close, Father Dave and Deacon Bob invite fans to send memories and well-wishes to Hope@Franciscan.edu. 

 

Resources Mentioned  

• They That Hope Mug that Heather Khym Illegally Stole from Deacon Bob's House and Vandalized with Abiding Together Propaganda— purchase your own at CatholicToTheMax.com. 

• “The Basketball 100”— from The Athletic  

• FaithAndReason.com — more Catholic content from Franciscan University 

• Homecoming Weekend— learn more about Franciscan’s upcoming homecoming from September 26-28, 2025 

• Papal Chapel with the Rite of Canonization of Blesseds Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis— Pope Leo’s canonization homily 

• “Blessed Carlo Acutis and the Many Miracles of the Eucharist” by Timothy P. O’Malley— learn more about the Eucharistic Miracles project inspired by St. Carlo Acutis