Blessed Carlo Acutis

Early Life

Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, England, to Italian parents who were working there. His family later moved to Milan, Italy, where he spent most of his life. From an early age, Carlo showed an extraordinary interest in the Catholic faith. He received his First Communion at the age of 7, earlier than usual, due to his profound understanding of Christ's real presence in the Eucharist.

Spiritual Life

Carlo attended Mass daily and prayed the rosary regularly. He had a special devotion to Our Lady and the Holy Eucharist, which he called his "highway to heaven." One of his famous quotes is: "The Eucharist is my highway to heaven." Despite his young age, Carlo had a deep prayer life and spiritual maturity rarely found in children his age.

Technological Skills and Digital Mission

Carlo was a self-taught computer genius. He used his skills in technology to serve the Church and spread the faith. His biggest project was documenting all the Eucharistic miracles recognized by the Church around the world. He spent years gathering information and created a website showcasing these miracles, which is still accessible today.

Carlo is often referred to as the "Cyber Apostle of the Eucharist" for his work in spreading knowledge about Eucharistic miracles through the internet. He said, "Everyone is born as an original, but many die as photocopies," indicating his belief that each person has a unique mission from God.

Charity Work and Service

Besides his digital activities, Carlo was also active in serving those in need. He used his pocket money to buy sleeping bags for the homeless and distributed food at soup kitchens run by Capuchin friars and the Sisters of Mother Teresa. He also helped children who had learning difficulties and defended friends whose parents were divorcing.

Illness and Death

In 2006, Carlo was diagnosed with M3 leukemia (acute promyelocytic leukemia). Despite facing a deadly disease, he accepted his diagnosis with extraordinary courage, saying: "I offer all the suffering I will have to undergo to the Lord, for the Pope and for the Church." Carlo died on October 12, 2006, at the age of 15, just days after his diagnosis.

Legacy and Beatification

After his death, Carlo's reputation for holiness spread rapidly. Many people began to pray for his intercession, and several medically inexplicable healings were reported. In 2013, Carlo was declared a "Servant of God" by the Vatican, the first step toward canonization.

On October 10, 2020, Carlo Acutis was beatified in a ceremony at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. The miracle attributed to his intercession was the healing of a Brazilian child suffering from a rare congenital pancreatic disorder. His relatively intact body (though it had been preserved) was displayed in Assisi for public veneration.

Influence on Young People

Carlo Acutis is often referred to as "God's Influencer" and "the first millennial candidate for sainthood." His story has inspired many young people around the world, showing that holiness is possible in the digital age and that technology can be used for God's glory. He has become a model for young Catholics, proving that one can be modern and still faithful to the teachings of the Church.

One of his famous quotes that often inspires young people is: "Happiness is our gaze turned toward God. Sadness is our gaze turned toward ourselves."

Prayer for Intercession

Blessed Carlo Acutis, you who used modern technology to spread love for the Eucharist and the Catholic faith, help us to use digital media wisely and for God's glory. Teach us to find Christ's presence in the Holy Eucharist and to live with courage and joy as you did. Pray for us the grace to follow your example in loving God and neighbor. Amen.