Following the recent canonisation of the young saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati – the latter featured on the book’s cover – the MUSEUM Society, through Preca Publishing, has released Robert Aloisio’s latest work, Għaxra oħra Żgħar imma kbar.
This new publication serves as a sequel to Aloisio’s earlier book, Għaxra Żgħar imma kbar, published five years ago. Both books highlight the inspiring lives of young people – many from contemporary times – who have borne powerful witness to their faith through words and actions.
The author presents these stories as living proof that it is possible to live a good and holy life, even in today’s world. The book is particularly recommended for adolescents and for those who guide and care for them.
Acutis and Frassati stand as compelling examples of holiness among youth. Their lives naturally raise the question: can one still be a saint today? And what does holiness look like for young people in the 21st century? The answer, Aloisio suggests, is a resounding yes.
These young saints were not dull or detached from the world – they were joyful, creative and full of life. They remind us that holiness is not about being boring but about being genuinely good, courageous and alive with purpose.
These young saints were not dull or detached from the world
In addition to Frassati, the book includes nine other young people whose holiness has been officially recognised by the Church: Isidore Bakanja, a 22-year-old African man martyred by his Belgian employer and beatified in 1994; Marcel Callo, a young French worker killed by the Nazis, beatified in 1987; Matteo Farina; Anuarite Nengapeta, a 25-year-old African nun martyred during a civil conflict and beatified in 1985; Laura Vicuña, a 13-year-old Chilean girl beatified in 1988; St Aloysius Gonzaga; St Maria Goretti; Sandra Sabattini and St Thérèse of the Child Jesus.
The book also features a short interview with Antonia Acutis, mother of Blessed Carlo Acutis, along with a collection of quotes and reflections from the young saints themselves.
Għaxra oħra żgħar imma kbar is available for €8 from Librerija Preca, Blata l-Bajda. It will also be available at the Preca Library stand during the Malta Book Festival, to be held at the MFCC, Ta’ Qali, from November 5–9.
