In every generation, God raises up young saints to show the world that holiness is not limited by age. Two such examples are 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, they shared a common passion: love for Jesus, devotion to the Eucharist, and a deep desire for holiness.

What can we learn from these two young saints?

A Passion for Holiness at a Young Age

Both Carlo and Dominic believed that sainthood was not reserved for priests or religious—it was for everyone.
• Dominic Savio’s motto was:
“Death rather than sin”;
They understood that the worst thing in life was not suffering but being separated from God through sin. Carlo Acutis had a deep devotion to the Eucharist and a strong commitment to living a holy life, much like St. Dominic Savio’s, Carlo showed a similar determination to avoid sin and prioritize God above all:

“Not I, but God.”
- This echoes the idea of complete surrender to God’s will, prioritizing Him over personal desires, even to the point of sacrificing one’s life rather than offending Him.

“To always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan.”

This commitment to remaining close to Christ suggests an unwavering determination to avoid sin at all costs.

“Our goal must be the infinite and not the finite. The infinite is our homeland. We are always expected in Heaven.”

Like Dominic Savio’s motto, this statement reflects a focus on eternity and a rejection of anything (including sin) that could separate one from Heaven.

“Sadness is looking at oneself, happiness is looking at God.”

This implies that true joy comes from God; sin, however, by turning one away from Him, leads to sorrow.

“The only thing we have to ask God for in prayer is the desire to be holy.”

This desire for holiness naturally includes a rejection of sin, aligning with the spirit of “Death rather than sin.”

Carlo Acutis, like St. Dominic Savio, understood that sin is the greatest tragedy, and his life was a testament to choosing holiness over worldly distractions.

Carlo Acutis said:
“All are born as originals, but many die as photocopies.”
He believed that holiness was about becoming who God created us to be, rather than conforming to worldly standards.

Even as teenagers, they pursued God wholeheartedly, showing that holiness is not something to “wait for”—it starts now.

Love for the Eucharist: The Centre of Their Lives

Both Carlo and Dominic understood a powerful truth: the Eucharist is the greatest treasure on earth.
• Dominic Savio made his First Communion at just 7 years old, which was unusual at the time. He took it so seriously that he made a list of resolutions, including:
• “I will go to Confession often and receive Communion as often as my confessor allows.”
• “Jesus and Mary will be my best friends.”
• Carlo Acutis also received his First Communion at age 7 and began attending daily Mass and spending hours in Eucharistic Adoration. He said:

“The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”
“Mary is the only woman in my life.”
• “When we face the sun, we get a tan… but when we stand before Jesus in the Eucharist, we become saints.”

Both understood that true strength comes from the Eucharist. They were not content with a lukewarm faith; they sought to be fully united with Jesus.

Defenders of Purity and Virtue

Purity is often mocked in today’s world, but Carlo and Dominic embraced it joyfully.
• Dominic Savio once stopped a group of boys from telling impure jokes, saying:
• “Jesus would not like to hear such words.” (Carlo’s Mother recounts a similar incident with Carlo, when two people failed to recognise the need to protect the innocence of young children)
He had a deep sense of respect for God and others, never tolerating sin.
• Carlo Acutis was also committed to living a pure life.
• He avoided movies, games, or websites that promoted impurity.
• He believed in the dignity of every person and defended classmates who were bullied.

Both teenagers knew that real strength is found in purity, humility, and virtue.

Using Their Talents for Evangelization

Though they lived in different centuries, both boys used their God-given gifts to bring others to Christ.
• St. Dominic Savio was known for his love of evangelization. He encouraged his friends to:
• Attend daily Mass
• Pray the Rosary
• Confess regularly
• Carlo Acutis was a modern-day evangelist, using the internet to spread the faith.
• He created a website cataloguing Eucharistic miracles to help people grow in devotion.
• He saw technology as a tool to bring people closer to Christ rather than a distraction.

Both inspired their peers by living joyful, faithful lives, showing that holiness is attractive, not boring.

A Life That Ended Too Soon—But with a Lasting Impact

Both Carlo and Dominic lived relatively short lives—Dominic died at 14, Carlo at 15—yet their impact was enormous.
• St. Dominic Savio’s holiness was recognized by St. John Bosco, his mentor, who wrote about his life. He was canonized in 1954 as a model for young people.
• Carlo Acutis’ devotion to the Eucharist and his digital evangelization continue to inspire thousands worldwide. He was beatified in 2020 and will be canonised April 27, 2025.

Their early deaths remind us that holiness is not about how long we live, but how we live for God.

Conclusion: Two Role Models for Young People Today

Carlo Acutis and St. Dominic Savio are proof that teenagers can be saints. They show us that holiness is not about being famous, perfect, or old—it’s about saying “yes” to God every day.

What can we learn from them?
1. Make the Eucharist your strength – Attend Mass and spend time in Adoration.
2. Live purely and virtuously – Stand up for what is right, even when it’s hard.
3. Use your talents for God – Whether it’s social media, music, sports, or writing, use your gifts for Christ.
4. Strive for holiness today – Don’t wait until you’re older. Start now!

St. Dominic Savio, and Carlo Acutis, pray for us!