The communion of saints is the unity of all the faithful who are united with Jesus as the head.  It includes both the living and the dead who share in the "communion of holy things” and “among holy persons”.  The communion of holy things, consists of all the faithful who share in the spiritual goods and graces of Christ, especially through the sacraments.  The communion of holy people includes the church militant, the faithful here on the earth; the church suffering, the souls in purgatory; and the blessed in heaven or the church triumphant.  The communion of saints joins us with one another and we become one through Jesus in whom we receive in the Eucharist.  If one member suffers, all suffer together.  If one member is honored, all rejoice together.  One way to think about the communion of saints is to imagine a giant stadium where all the people have run or are running a great race.  As each person takes their turn, they are lifted up with love and encouragement from all those surrounding them.  All those who know well the challenges that lie ahead and have stayed to accompany them on their journey. 

We people here on earth are recognized in the communion of saints as the church militant.  We are the “pilgrims” journeying on our road to heaven. The path ahead is not straight and there will be many twists and turns.  Yet we know that God is with us and He will guide us to our final destination. Some of our daily tasks while here on this earth are to carry one another’s burdens, to serve each other, and to help everyone especially the least among us by the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.  We are also asked by Christ to pray for one another, especially the holy souls in purgatory. The road of this world may be difficult, and there will be a constant struggle against sin, but if we trust in the Lord and ask for His guidance, he will help us on our journey to heaven.  

As a young person, all must try to live out a life of faith following the example of the many saints which we honor and venerate.  A good way to start is to build a relationship with God, and to listen for His voice and in our lives.  We can mimic the young saints by loving everyone, obeying and respecting our parents, and praying for others, especially our own family.  All young people do not have to wait to be saints, they can be saints right now in their daily lives.  This does not necessarily mean we have to be a canonized saint like Saint Carlo Acutis, but that we live a life of holiness even right at home and show Jesus to all we meet by our words and actions, we can be a saint.  The journey to heaven is a long, narrow road but Jesus will guide us through it to the end.