By Karolina Mroczek, Grade 12
From heroic martyrs to empowered converts, many Catholics are familiar with traditional stories of sainthood. With almost unlimited Internet access, modern believers are able to research the lives of countless holy figures. However, many are unaware of the recently canonized saint who is the patron of this technology: Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint.
Carlo Acutis was born in 1991 and grew up in Milan, Italy. Like many teenagers, he enjoyed playing video games and surfing the Internet. There was one prominent trait that allowed Carlo to stand out from his peers: dedication to the faith. Aside from attending Mass on Sundays, Carlo would find himself attending daily services and spending time in Eucharistic Adoration throughout the day. He was fascinated by the idea of the Eucharist being the closest earthly connection to the supernatural. Carlo combined his interest in technology with his faith, dedicating his hobby to God. In fact, he even created a website to teach others about Eucharistic miracles, which can be found here. Carlo is known as a pioneer of digital evangelization, and his website is still updated by his family today.
While Carlo was a devout Catholic, his dedication to the faith was almost overshadowing his academic life. Although he was a good, respectful student, Carlo would occasionally forget to turn in homework, claiming that he “had something more important to do.” It is speculated that Carlo attended Mass followed by Eucharistic Adoration every day after school, often spending hours in the Lord’s presence. This may explain his tendency to turn in assignments late. Carlo was also known to spend his free time giving to others. One of his favorite acts of kindness to complete was giving to the needy. He was often seen walking through the streets of Milan, giving out food and clothing to the poor and homeless. Giving was essentially Carlo’s hobby.
In October 2006, Carlo fell ill and believed he had the flu. However, his state significantly worsened over two days, which led him to a hospital visit. He was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away about a week later. He remained faithful in his final days, maintaining daily prayer and acts of kindness towards his loved ones. Carlo requested to receive the Anointing of the Sick and Eucharist two days before his death, placing himself completely into God’s care. He was declared a Servant of God in 2012 and achieved the title of sainthood thirteen years later.
“Not I but God.” -St. Carlo Acutis
Saint Carlo Acutis, pray for us.
Saint Carlo Acutis, pray for us.
Image from: https://www.carloacutis.com/en/association/la-linea-del-tempo-di-carlo#prettyPhoto[gallery]/13/