English
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Blessed Carlo Acutis is scheduled to be canonized on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Jubilee of Teenagers, which takes place in Rome. This canonization will make him the first millennial saint in the Catholic Church.
In the heart of the Catholic Church’s mission to raise up exemplary figures of faith, one name that shines brightly in contemporary times is Carlo Acutis. Born on May 3, 1991, in London, England, and raised in Milan, Italy, Carlo was not only a typical teenager; he embodied a spirit of profound faith, technology, and a sincere devotion to God. His remarkable life story resonates deeply with Catholic Church members who long for relatable and inspiring figures to look up to in their faith journey.
Carlo Acutis was the only child of an Italian couple who nurtured his faith from a young age. He showed an extraordinary inclination towards spirituality, regularly participating in the sacraments. His passion for the Eucharist was unparalleled; he often spent time in adoration and felt a deep connection to the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. This devotion laid the groundwork for his later endeavors that would profoundly impact the Church.
Beyond his religious fervor, Carlo was also a digital native. He was keenly interested in computers and technology, which he skillfully utilized to promote his faith. In a time when the digital landscape is often viewed with skepticism, Carlo embraced it as a tool for evangelization. He developed a website to catalog Eucharistic miracles from around the world, striving to educate others about the significance of the Holy Eucharist. This initiative showcased not only his technical prowess but also his dedication to sharing the truth of the Catholic faith with a modern audience. Carlo’s ability to bridge faith and technology exemplifies the call for modern-day evangelization.
Tragically, Carlo’s life was cut short when he succumbed to leukemia on October 12, 2006, at the tender age of 15. Yet, his brief existence left an indelible mark on those who knew him and, indeed, the wider Church. His virtues of humility, generosity, and a profound love for God continue to inspire many. Notably, his desire to lead others to Christ through the use of technology reflects a commitment to the New Evangelization, one of the key tenets of the Catholic Church today.
In July 2020, Pope Francis declared Carlo Acutis venerable, affirming his heroic virtues and thus setting him on the path toward canonization. His beatification took place on October 10, 2020, during a ceremony in Assisi, marking him as the first millennial to be beatified. This significant milestone highlights the Church’s acknowledgment of Carlo’s exemplary life and his relevance in a world that is often disconnected from spiritual values.
In 2021, the first miracle was attributed to Carlo, involving a young boy born with a congenital malformation. Read about the first miracle here.
In 2022, a second miracle was attributed to Carlo involving a 21-year-old girl who suffered a severe brain injury. Read about the second miracle here.
As the Church looks toward the canonization process, many members find hope and inspiration in Carlo’s life. He serves as a reminder that holiness is attainable and that even young people can make a profound impact on the world around them. Carlo Acutis’s story is not just about his personal journey but also about reaffirming the beauty of faith in contemporary society.
Carlo Acutis is a beacon of hope and faith, especially for Catholic youth. His blend of ordinary teenage life with extraordinary faith exemplifies a model for living one’s beliefs fervently. The journey towards his canonization will undoubtedly inspire countless others to embrace their faith boldly, utilize their talents for God’s glory, and strive for holiness in everyday life.