Who is Carlo Acutis? A Saint for Our Times
June 11, 2024 by Elizabeth Bavaro
Blessed Carlo Acutis is a name that has been making headlines in recent weeks, but who exactly is he? Carlo Acutis was an Italian teenager who lived a life of virtue and holiness, ultimately being beatified, or declared "Blessed" by the Catholic Church.
Carlo is best known for his strong devotion to the Eucharist and his knowledge of computer programming. Carlo put his skills to use to spread the Gospel by making a database of Eucharistic miracles. For this reason, he is considered the patron saint of the Internet. When he is canonized (likely in 2025 according to the Pope), he will be the first millennial saint. In May, Pope Francis recognized a second miracle attributed to his intercession, a requirement for canonization.
Carlo's story is one of inspiration and faith, as he dedicated his short life to spreading the message of God's love through his passion for technology and the internet. In this article, we will delve into the life and impact of Blessed Carlo Acutis, exploring why he has become a role model for young Catholics around the world.
Early Life
Born in London on May 3rd, 1991 to parents Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano Acutis, Carlo demonstrated a desire for closeness to God at an early age. In her book "My Son Carlo," Antonia recalls that Carlo asked questions about the faith that she found she couldn't answer. His curiosity about God inspired his parents to learn more about the faith they had passed on to him. This led to them becoming closer to God and frequenting the sacraments. Carlo drew all those who knew him to God by his simple yet profound witness of holiness.
School Years
Though he was born in London, Carlo's family soon moved back to their native Italy, and settled in Milan. There Carlo attended a private Catholic school where his passion for the Eucharist and his love for the Catholic faith continued to grow. Carlo would often attend daily Mass and spend hours in Eucharistic adoration.
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Carlo Acutis Pendant With Chain Boxed
Carlo was a bright student with a keen interest in technology. He excelled in his studies, particularly in computer programming. He had a natural talent for coding and developed a strong passion for computers and the internet. His skills in programming would later be combined with his devotion to the Eucharist, resulting in a unique way of evangelizing.
Database of Eucharistic Miracles
One of Carlo's most notable accomplishments was creating a comprehensive database of Eucharistic miracles from around the world. He dedicated countless hours to researching and documenting these miracles, which involve instances where the Eucharist undergoes a visible transformation. Carlo's goal was to make this information accessible to as many people as possible through the internet.
We are in the middle of the National Eucharistic Revival, as declared by the US bishops. Carlo's unwavering belief in the real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist is a perfect example of how we can be Eucharistic defenders in our own lives.
A Short Life Well Lived
Carlo's graceful death at the young age of 15 was a result of acute leukemia. However, even in his suffering, Carlo maintained a strong faith and trust in God. He offered his pain as a sacrifice and offered it for the Pope and the Church.
Soon after his death, the word started to spread about Carlo's holiness, and many people began to pray for his intercession. Reports of miraculous healings and answered prayers started to circulate. People who earnestly sought Carlo's intercession claimed to have experienced miraculous recoveries from illnesses and received blessings in their lives.
Recognizing the extraordinary virtues and impact of Carlo's life, the Church began the process for his beatification in 2013. In 2018, Pope Francis officially approved a miracle attributed to Carlo's intercession, clearing the way for his beatification. The beatification ceremony took place on October 10, 2020, in Assisi, Italy, where Carlo was declared "Blessed." He is set to be elevated to sainthood in 2025 as a second miracle has been approved.
A Saint for the Millennial Generation?
But why the push for a millennial saint? After all, before Pope John Paul II's reform of the canonization process there was a waiting period of 50 years after a person's death before they could be considered for sainthood. Now, that waiting period is only 5 years. So, what's the rush?
The push for a millennial saint, such as Carlo Acutis, is an acknowledgment of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the current generation. Modern saints can serve as relatable and inspiring role models for young people who may be struggling with their faith or facing the pressures of today's world. Carlo's witness of faith shows that holiness can be found in our midst, even among young people.
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Carlo Acutis Bracelet Brown Wood
Carlo's short life was marked by a profound love for God and an unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith. His ability to infuse his daily activities and interests with a deep spirituality sets him apart as a model for young people today. By embracing technology as a means of evangelization, Carlo bridged the gap between our digital world and the path of holiness to which we are all called.
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We are an 85-year-old family owned and operated church supply and religious goods store located in Long Island, NY. We have been providing religious items and supplies to the community for over eight decades. At Chiarelli's Religious Goods, we have seen the impact that saints like Blessed Carlo Acutis can have on the faithful.
Church-quality statues of Blessed Carlo Acutis are available at our store. We also stock a variety of books, jewelry, and gifts for anyone who is devoted to Carlo. We believe that surrounding ourselves with reminders of the faith can help us stay connected to God and draw inspiration from the lives of saints like Carlo.
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Estatua tallada en madera de Carlo Acutis
