When we delve into the lives of saints, it often feels like they belong to a distant realm, far removed from the realities of our modern world. The path to sainthood can appear daunting, especially in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven era. It’s easy to believe that the saints of old inhabited a vastly different world from ours, making their example seem almost unattainable for us.
However, there is a beacon of hope shining brightly for our generation: Blessed Carlo Acutis. Who is Carlo Acutis, and why is he being hailed as the first candidate in line to become a “millennial saint”? Let’s explore his story and uncover the reasons behind his remarkable journey toward sainthood.
Who Is Blessed Carlo Acutis?
Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, to Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano. From a young age, Carlo displayed a profound love and devotion to the Catholic faith. When his family moved to Milan, Carlo not only honed his skills and interest in computer programming but also deepened his Catholic faith.
Carlo Acutis’s Passion for the Eucharist
Carlo Acutis came from a Catholic family that did not regularly practice the faith. His mother even admitted that before Carlo invited her to attend regular Mass, she had only been to three Masses in her life: her First Communion, Confirmation, and wedding. Because of Carlo’s love and devotion to the Eucharist, he was able to influence his family to become more devout and active in their faith.
Carlo had a deep love and passion for the Eucharist. His mother recalled in an interview that Carlo couldn’t understand why there were no queues in front of the Blessed Sacrament, while there were always long lines for concerts and football matches. At the age of 11, Carlo began learning about Eucharistic miracles throughout history. Using his computer skills, he created a website that traces the history of these miracles. The website comprises 160 panels and has been shared with over 10,000 parishes worldwide.
Early Death
Carlo Acutis passed away on October 12, 2006, at the age of 15. He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML or M3). When he learned he was gravely ill, he notably said,
“I offer to the Lord the sufferings that I will have to undergo for the Pope and for the Church, so as not to have to be in Purgatory and be able to go directly to heaven.”
His words remain a beautiful example of faith and devotion that continue to inspire us today.
Miracles Attributed to Carlo Acutis
Pope Francis formally recognized a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis involving a young woman from Costa Rica who suffered a severe head injury after falling from her bicycle in Florence. Her condition was critical, requiring craniotomy surgery, which typically has a very low chance of survival.
Two days after the accident, the young woman’s mother visited Blessed Carlo’s tomb in Assisi, praying and asking for his intercession. On the same day, the young woman began to breathe on her own and showed significant progress in her recovery in the following weeks and months.
Pope Francis’ Response to Carlo Acutis
Pope Francis has encouraged young people to acquaint themselves with Blessed Acutis, highlighting how he accomplished remarkable deeds despite his brief life. The Pope emphasized that “Prayer, witness, and charity” were the defining characteristics of Blessed Acutis’ life and should serve as fundamental aspects of every Christian’s life.