This year 2025 marks three significant events that highlight for us the transformative power of
personal vocation. It is the 100th anniversary of the death of Matt Talbot, a man whose life of
conversion and penance continues to inspire countless individuals, particularly those
struggling with addiction. In April, Blessed Carlo Acutis will be canonised by Pope Francis,
followed in August by the canonisation of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. These events celebrate
three extraordinary examples of holiness in action—lived out through the unique vocations that
God entrusted to them as Lay Faithful.
Pope Francis, in his reflections on vocation and the call to holiness, reminded us that: “This is
the path of holiness, and it is so simple! To see Jesus always in others. To serve the Gospel and
our brothers and sisters, to offer our lives without expecting anything in return, any worldly
glory: this is a secret and it is our calling.” Pope Francis – May 2022
This profound statement captures the essence of personal vocation—the unique way in which
each person whether Lay, Priest or Religious is called to live out their faith and contribute to
God’s plan. Holiness is not reserved for a select few but is a path open to all, unfolding in the
specific circumstances of our lives. Matt Talbot, Carlo Acutis, and Pier Giorgio Frassati
exemplify this response to God’s call in remarkable ways.
How did these great men change the world through their response to their personal vocation?
Their lives invite us to explore the beauty of a wholehearted “yes” to God’s plan and to seek
ways to live out our own unique callings.
Three Vocations, One Call to Holiness
Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991–2006): Evangelising in the Digital Age
Carlo discovered his vocation in using technology for evangelisation. By creating a website
cataloguing Eucharistic miracles, he inspired devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. If Carlo were
alive today, he would likely be using Instagram and TikTok to bring the same message to a new
generation. His deep love for the Eucharist, expressed in his motto, “The Eucharist is my
highway to heaven,” reminds us that our personal vocation sanctifies the ordinary and
transforms even the digital world into a means of encounter with Christ.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925): A Life of Faith in Action
Pier Giorgio’s vocation was rooted in service, combining deep prayer with active works of mercy.
He devoted himself to the poor, championed Catholic social teaching, and united faith with
action. His joy, authenticity, and love for Christ inspired young people to see their own vocations
as opportunities to sanctify leisure, friendships, and daily encounters.
Venerable Matt Talbot (1856–1925): A Hidden Life of Holiness
A former alcoholic, Matt Talbot turned his life around through prayer, penance, and deep
devotion, becoming a model for those struggling with addiction. His personal vocation emerged
through his radical conversion—demonstrating that holiness is not about status or recognition
but about responding faithfully to God’s call, even in the simplicity of daily life.

Each of these individuals sanctified their circumstances—whether through technology, service
to the poor, or personal conversion. Their vocations were lived out where they were, showing
that holiness is not separate from ordinary life but infused within it. Their vocations were not
self-focused but outward-looking. They responded to God’s call by bringing His love to others—whether through digital evangelisation, hands-on service, or personal witness. This reminds us that personal vocation is always oriented toward love and mission.

From Carlo’s battle with leukemia, Pier Giorgio’s struggle with polio, to Matt Talbot’s journey of
recovery from addiction, they faced suffering with faith. Their lives testify to the power of grace
in overcoming obstacles when we embrace our vocation with trust in God. None of them held
positions of power, yet their personal vocations left a profound mark. Through their quiet
witness, they inspired thousands—and continue to do so today.
Each of their lives show us that personal vocation is not constrained by age, health, or social
status. Instead, it is rooted in a wholehearted “yes” to God’s unique call, transforming both the
individual and the world around them. Their examples should inspire us to seek and embrace
our own vocations, trusting that God can work through each of us to bring His light to the world.