In the heart of Milan, near the Navigli canals, a group of young people has chosen to live together with one goal: to help each other become saints.
Their community, called “Fraternità – Living for God,” is inspired by the legacy of Carlo Acutis and based at the parish of San Gottardo al Corso.
The spark that lit this journey came during Carlo’s beatification. Father Alberto Ravagnani, a young priest and communicator, brought a small group of teens to witness the ceremony—and something shifted.
“For me,” he explained, “Carlo Acutis is important because when he was beatified, I had this feeling a few days beforehand that I needed to go—and go with the young people. Why? Because they were his peers. At the time, Alessio, Jacopo, and Federico were kids from my parish youth group. They were the same age as Carlo when he died. I felt that his witness and life could inspire them. I believe something truly happened there, because in the face of his testimony, they changed. They came home different, began living differently, and that’s how Fraternità was born—from the friendship between the three of them and myself.”
Davide, a Member of Fraternità and its Community Manager, noted, “Carlo has always been our point of reference—seeing a young person who lived his faith so deeply, so seriously, who took this path with such sincerity at such a young age—it’s deeply inspiring.”
Alessio, a Member of Fraternità and its Community Videomaker, shared, “Carlo did something extremely simple, yet incredibly powerful. And that made me think: ‘I can do that too.’ I can be myself today. I can be my version of Carlo today, in a simple and authentic way.”
In the heart of Milan, Alessio, Jacopo, Federico, and four other young men share daily life with Father Alberto Ravagnani in a community inspired by Carlo Acutis. Their days are simple, but purposeful—marked by prayer, study, shared meals, and conversations about faith and vocation. While pursuing university degrees, they also study theology and develop their personal talents in music, writing, or digital media.
Father explained, “We wake up in the morning, pray, and then have breakfast. After that, activities begin. That means: if someone has to go to school, they go; otherwise, we work. Our work is for Fraternità: organizing events, communication, community engagement, and developing projects—either our own or in collaboration with others.”
Carlo Acutis’ presence is felt everywhere—not just in spirit, but literally. A large portrait of him, a gift from his mother Antonia, greets visitors at the entrance of the apartment. It’s a daily reminder to the boys: sainthood isn’t some distant ideal. It can be lived right here, right now, in the ordinary moments of everyday life.
“For me,” Father added, “Carlo Acutis is proof that sainthood is possible—and that being holy doesn’t mean being perfect. Holiness is within reach. I believe Carlo helps to redefine what holiness means.”
Just like Carlo used the internet to spread the faith in the early 2000s, the young men of Fraternità are doing the same today—with smartphones, cameras, and social platforms. Social media isn’t a side project—it’s their mission field.
“The world is also virtual—people live in the digital space too, and they have social networks,” Father highlighted. “These platforms connect people and become places where values (and sometimes harmful ideas) are exchanged. That’s why the presence of the Church, and the witness of Christians in those spaces, is important—not only to share the Gospel and the perspective of faith, but above all to create relationships. I believe social media gives us the chance to reach people and draw closer to their lives.”
The Fraternità community is looking forward to the canonization of Carlo Acutis, a moment they’ve long awaited. For them it’s not just an event it is a tribute to the one who showed them that holiness is real.
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Adapted by Jacob Stein
Produced by Anthony Johnson; Camera by Anthony Johnson and Gianluca Gangemi; Video Edited by Alessio di Cintio; Special thanks & Credits to Fraternità
