How to Be a Saint in the 21st Century
When we hear the word “saint,” we often picture figures in stained-glass windows, the holy men and women who lived centuries ago, far removed from TikTok feeds, climate marches, or workplace Zoom calls. But sainthood doesn’t always have to be about stepping back in time. It’s about stepping forward into your life today, right where you are.
Holiness is not reserved for those living only in monasteries or cathedrals. Saints have been mothers, students, workers, friends, and neighbors. They struggled with doubts, faced criticism, and wrestled with the distractions of their age. So if you’ve ever wondered how to live like a saint in the 21st century, know this: it is possible. And it might look more ordinary, and more radical, than you think.
1. Be Inspired by Modern Role Models
The canonization of Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old tech whiz dubbed “God’s Influencer,” reminds us that sainthood doesn’t require centuries of distance. Carlo used his skills to build websites about Eucharistic miracles and limited his screen time to leave space for prayer. He proved that holiness can exist in the heart of the digital world.
For young people today, this means your talents, whether it be coding, music, art, activism…none of it is not separate from your faith. They are the very soil where sainthood can grow.
2. Practice Authentic, Inclusive Spirituality
Studies show many young adults today identify as “spiritual but not religious.” They long for authenticity, justice, and inclusion rather than rigid checklists of what to believe. Saints in every age have challenged the status quo of their time. Think of St. Francis of Assisi leaving behind wealth to serve the poor, or Dorothy Day walking alongside the marginalized. Their decisions were met with disbelief, sarcasm, and criticism.
In the 21st century, with all it’s diversity in the information age, holiness looks a bit different. We can embrace spiritual practices that connect us with God and neighbor while welcoming all people with dignity.
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3. Blend Ancient Wisdom with Modern Practices
Mindfulness apps, meditation spaces, and journaling challenges fill our feeds. While they often come wrapped in modern packaging, they echo centuries-old practices (that’s why we love them!). Think of the commonalities: St. Ignatius’ Examen prayer isn’t far from today’s gratitude journaling. A digital detox is not unlike the monastic silence craved by so many centuries ago.
Instead of chasing the latest wellness fad, reclaim these practices as part of your spiritual rhythm. Light a candle before opening your laptop. Write down three things you’re grateful for after a long day. Saints made holiness practical. You can, too.
4. Live Virtue Online
Social media rewards hot takes and outrage that cause violence and dissent. Saints show us another way. Imagine practicing the virtues of honesty, kindness, and humility in your comment sections. Imagine being known not for going viral, but for consistently choosing integrity, even when no one “likes” it.
Being a saint today might mean refusing to engage in gossip, encouraging others’ work instead of comparing, or setting healthy boundaries with your phone. Digital holiness is a new frontier, and it’s one you can claim.
5. Serve Locally, Think Globally
Saints lived with their feet firmly planted in their communities while keeping their hearts open to the world. For you, that might mean volunteering at a food pantry while also joining online campaigns for global justice. It could mean helping a neighbor shovel snow while also supporting climate advocacy.
Small, consistent service has ripple effects. As Mother Teresa said: “Do small things with great love.” That’s as true in 2025 as it was in 1950 or 1620.
6. Make Humility and Justice Your Compass
Carlo Acutis once said, “Not I, but God.” Saints don’t point to themselves. Rather, they point to love. Our society is obsessed with self-branding. Sainthood may feel countercultural. What it really means is building your “life masterpiece” not on likes or achievements, but on how faithfully you’ve loved God and neighbor.
Justice is equally vital. Saints have always stood with the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and the excluded. In our century, that could mean speaking up about systemic racism, advocating for migrants, or making sustainable choices that protect creation.
7. Create Community in New Ways
Loneliness is one of the greatest challenges of this generation. It’s so hard to imagine when we are so digitally connected! Saints remind us that holiness thrives in community. Whether through parish youth groups, online faith communities, or small circles of friends committed to prayer and service, sainthood grows when shared.
The beauty of 21st-century life is that you can find your “saintly circle” in places your grandparents couldn’t. Find podcasts, online retreats, or even group chats where prayer requests and encouragement flow.
My favorites online communities:
Ascension Presents
CatholicMom.com (see my column here!)
Blessed is She
Word on Fire
8. Reimagine Ancient Devotions
You don’t need to live in a cloister to find meaning in monastic rhythms. Today, many young people explore “new monasticism”. They are creating intentional spaces of prayer and service in urban neighborhoods or even in online communities.
Try incorporating short, ancient prayers into your day, like the Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me”). Adapt fasting by limiting digital consumption to create more silence for God. These practices make old wisdom alive today.
9. Face Criticism with Courage
Every saint faced skeptics. Some questioned whether Carlo’s life was “extraordinary” enough. Others doubted Mother Teresa’s methods. In your own life, striving for holiness might be misunderstood. Friends may call it old-fashioned, or accuse you of being “too much.”
But sainthood has never been about pleasing the crowd. It’s about authenticity before God. Don’t let criticism stop you from living faithfully.
It’s About the Journey
There is no formula for sainthood. Saints were ordinary people who responded with extraordinary love. St. Joseph lived faithfully as a carpenter and father. St. Gianna Molla chose sacrificial love for her family. Carlo Acutis sanctified the internet.
Your path will look different, but no less meaningful. Holiness is found in how you show up each day: in your classroom, your workplace, your home, and your online presence.
Your Blueprint for Sainthood Today
To be a saint in the 21st century is to live with courage, compassion, and creativity. It means using your gifts and talents to point others to love. It means grounding your online life in virtue, your offline life in service, and your whole self in God.
The saints of tomorrow won’t look exactly like the saints of yesterday. They will look like you and me – parents, students, workers, neighbors – living ordinary lives with extraordinary love.
So take heart. Holiness is possible here and now. All it takes is saying yes to God, one ordinary moment at a time.
Two corrections needed for links to online communities: I believe you meant WORD on Fire, not WORLD on fire (which is a drama miniseries site). And I think you meant Ascension PRESENTS (Fr. Mike Schmitz’ group). Ascension (without the Presents) is a movie site.
thank you! all fixed.