While new to the saint game scene, Bl. Carlo Acutis is a saint for today. It helped that he lived with us in the 21st century, reminding us in our everyday lives that sainthood is attainable, no matter our circumstances in life.
Here is what you need to know about this incredible young man and what we can do to celebrate his impact on our daily lives.
Bl. Carlo was born in 1991 in England but raised in Milan, Italy. His wealthy family did not practice the faith much but after receiving First Communion as a child, he would make a point to spend an extra few minutes praying before the Blessed Sacrament either before Mass or after. During school, Carlo would make it a point to defend children who were being targeted by their peers and reach out to those who were suffering at home in their family life. After school, he spent his time with the poor and homeless.
Tech savvy and maybe even a little computer geeky, Bl. Carlo spent four years of his life designing a website that hosted every Eucharist miracle around the world. He also enjoyed video games, playing soccer, and watching movies.
He was diagnosed with leukemia and within the week, the fifteen year old suffered greatly and offered his sufferings for the current pope, Benedict XVI, received the sacraments and died. His heart, housed in Assisi, is a relic and next to it was Carlo’s saying, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven”. He was beatified in 2020. His feast day is October 12th.
Here is how we are celebrating this young saint’s feast day this year:
- Make a point to spend an extra two minutes after Mass in the pew as a family to thank God for the gift of the Eucharist, You could say a Hail Mary, Pray this prayer for the family from the knights of Columbus, or the Stay with Me Jesus prayer.
- Talk about Eucharistic miracles with your kids! Use the website built by Bl. Carlo to start your conversation. http://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/liste/list.html
- Ask for Bl. Carlo’s intercession before jumping on the internet or on social media.
Blessed Carlo Acutis, pray for us!