Blessed Carlo Acutis
Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991 –2006) was born in London, England and raised in Milan, Italy. From an early age, he displayed a remarkable talent for computer programming and a deep love for the Christ in the Eucharist. He loved sports, particularly soccer, playing video games, graphic novels, and volunteering with those in need outside of his school hours.
Carlo’s particular devotion to the Eucharist was inspired by St. Francis of Assisi and evident in that he always spent time in prayer before his parish’s tabernacle either before or after every Mass he attended. He tried to go to Mass daily and he saw the Eucharist as a tangible manifestation of God's love.
With his tech-savvy skills, young Carlo spent four years creating a website that catalogued Eucharistic miracles from around the world. The purpose of his site was to increase awareness and appreciation for the Eucharist while also celebrating the worldwide Church. His hope for this project was to inspire those who visited the site to deepen their faith and develop a stronger relationship with Jesus.
Tragically, in 2006 when Carlo was just 15, his life was cut short when he succumbed to leukemia. Despite this, his story, and website, live on as a shining example of youthful holiness. Recognizing his extraordinary sanctity, the Church beatified Carlo on October 10, 2020, making him the first millennial to be beatified.
Carlo's beatification has gone on to spark a renewed interest in the Eucharist among some young people today. His story also serves as a reminder that holiness is attainable even amid modern challenges and that today’s tools, like computers and the internet, can also be an avenue through which someone can serve the Kingdom of God. Blessed Carlo, pray for us!
© LPi