BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS
BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS
Blessed Carlo Acutis, a biography: The Cyber Apostle of the Eucharist
Et dixit eis “euntes in mundum universum praedicate evangelium omni creaturae”
[And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation] Mark 16:15
Et dixit eis “euntes in mundum universum praedicate evangelium omni creaturae”
[And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation] Mark 16:15
The internet is, without doubt, one of the greatest technological innovations of this human era with its evolutionary potential constantly reaching new and endless heights. Combining various elements of information and communications technology, endless digital innovations and social media possibilities, the cyberspace has truly created a new world. This new world of boundless possibilities is comprised of billions of global cybercitizens – netizens – unfettered by conventional geographic, class, commerce, time or distance boundaries or restrictions, and the only visa requirement is that click, click, click. Cyberspace is indeed a world, at once new and different, and the those who could not participate in the segregation of maps and land grab, now have the power to acquire a portion of this world, to take their own space and pursue their own interests with more realistic and affordable capital.
Blessed Carlo Acutis understood the power and potential of the internet. When he heard the command of the Lord Jesus, to ‘go into all the world’ and evangelise, he understood that the cyberspace another world where the gospel needs be preached. Carlo took these words of scripture literally and strove to claim the territory of the cyberspace for the Lord. Undeterred by the potential of technology to both connect and distract in equal measure, Blessed Carlo Acutis stood as a frontrunner in digital evangelisation motivated by his deep faith in, and an especial love for the Eucharistic Jesus Christ. His simple yet remarkable life and his ability to inspire others in a uniquely profound manner, made him an enduring source of inspiration. Though his earthly journey was brief, his legacy continues to shine brightly, guiding people of all ages toward a deeper relationship with God.
Life Rooted in Faith
Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, England, to Italian parents Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano. Though he spent the first few months of his life in England, his family soon moved back to Milan, Italy, where he grew up. Unlike many of his peers, Carlo displayed an unusual interest in matters of faith from a very young age. Despite being born into a family that was not particularly religious, he was instinctively drawn to the Church and the sacraments. His mother later admitted that before Carlo, she had only attended Mass for her First Communion, Confirmation, and wedding. It was through her son that she rediscovered the richness of the Catholic faith.
Carlo’s love for the Eucharist was evident early on. At the age of seven, he received his First Holy Communion and from that moment on, he made the Eucharist the centre of his life. He attended daily Mass, spent time in Eucharistic Adoration, and frequently prayed the Rosary. He firmly believed in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, often saying, "The Eucharist is my highway to heaven."
A Modern-Day Missionary
Carlo was, in many ways, a typical teenager. He enjoyed video games, playing soccer, and spending time with friends. He was playful and had a great sense of humour and a deep love for animals, particularly his dogs. But what set him apart was his ability to integrate his deep faith into his everyday life. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and ability to befriend everyone, from classmates to the homeless people he encountered on the streets of Milan.
Carlo did not keep his faith to himself; rather, he saw it as something to be shared. He had a strong sense of mission, a great knowledge of technology and was passionate about computers, skills he would deploy in spreading the Gospel. He designed websites to document Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions, hoping to help others grow in their faith. He believed that the internet, often seen as a source of distraction and temptation, could also be a powerful tool for evangelization.
The Eucharistic Miracles Project
One of Carlo’s most ambitious projects was his website dedicated to Eucharistic miracles. He spent years researching and compiling information about documented Eucharistic miracles from around the world. His goal was simple: to help people believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. He travelled with his family to various sites of Eucharistic miracles, took photographs, wrote descriptions, and designed an online exhibition that has since been translated into multiple languages and displayed in churches, schools, and even at the Vatican.
His work was not just about creating a website; it was about bringing people closer to Jesus. He saw the Eucharist as the “greatest treasure” and wanted to help others discover its power. His project continues to inspire thousands of people worldwide, making the miracles of the Eucharist accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
A Short but Meaningful Life
Despite his many talents and accomplishments, Carlo remained humble and deeply compassionate. He had a special heart for the poor and often used his pocket money to buy sleeping bags and food for the homeless. He defended those who were bullied and offered help to friends who were struggling, not just with schoolwork but also with life’s bigger questions. He had an ability to make those around him feel seen and valued.
His life took an unexpected turn in 2006 when he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia. Even in the face of suffering, Carlo’s faith remained unwavering. He offered his pain for the Pope and for the Church, demonstrating a profound sense of sacrifice far beyond his years. He never complained and continued to radiate joy and peace, inspiring all those around him. On October 12, 2006, at the age of 15, Carlo died in Monza, Italy.
A Legacy That Continues
Carlo’s death was not the end of his story; in many ways, it was only the beginning. His holiness and love for the Eucharist inspired thousands, leading to the opening of his cause for canonization. In 2020, Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to Carlo’s intercession - a young Brazilian boy was miraculously healed from a rare pancreatic disease after praying to him. This led to Carlo being beatified on October 10, 2020, in Assisi, the city of St. Francis, whom he greatly admired. During the beatification ceremony, Pope Francis described Carlo as a model for young people, someone who used modern means to spread an eternal truth.
His tomb in Assisi has since become a pilgrimage site, drawing people from around the world who seek inspiration from his life. Carlo’s incorrupt body lies in a glass tomb, dressed in his favourite casual attire - a pair of jeans, sneakers, and a simple sweater - symbolizing his down-to-earth approach to holiness. Carlo’s canonization Mass is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square.
What Carlo Teaches Us
Blessed Carlo Acutis is a reminder that sanctity is not reserved for monks and mystics; it is accessible to everyone, even in this digital age. He challenges us to live our faith authentically, to use our gifts for good, and to always keep our eyes on what truly matters. His life encourages us to make time for prayer, to seek Jesus in the Eucharist, and to treat every person with kindness and love.
For young people, Carlo is proof that faith is not outdated. For adults, he serves as a reminder that children can sometimes lead the way. And for the world, he stands as a beacon of hope that holiness is possible even in an age of so much distraction.
His words continue to echo in the hearts of many: "We are all born as originals, but many die as photocopies." Carlo’s life invites us to be original in our love for God and others, to embrace our unique path, and to leave a mark of goodness on the world.
As his canonization draws near, his legacy only grows stronger. In Blessed Carlo Acutis, we see not just the story of a remarkable teenager, but a call to holiness that resonates across generations. His life is a testimony that, with faith and love, even the shortest journey can have an eternal impact.
Carlo Acutis: The Cyber Apostle of Eucharist
Carlo Acutis: The Cyber Apostle of Eucharist
Carlo Acutis: A Journey of Inspiration and Purpose
Carlo Acutis: To Always Be Close To Jesus
Read Carlo Acutis Blog Post
Learn from inspiring stories of Saint Carlo Acutis and take your faith to the finish line.
St. Francis of Assisi in the Life and Spirituality of Carlo Acutis
The story of Carlo Acutis, the young millennial blessed, is one of deep faith, Eucharistic love, and a heart for evangelization. While he lived in the 21st century, his spirituality was deeply rooted[…]
CARLO ACUTIS AND THE SAINTS
Carlo Acutis had a deep love for the saints and considered them his role models in the spiritual life. He believed that holiness was accessible to everyone,not just priests and religious, and that the saints provided a roadmap to heaven. […]
Carlo Acutis and St. Dominic Savio: Young Saints on Fire for God
In every generation, God raises up young saints to show the world that holiness is not limited by age. Two such examples are Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991-2006) and St. Dominic Savio (1842-1857)—both teenagers who lived ordinary lives with extraordinary faith. Though separated by over a century, […]