Blessed Carlo Acutis was a holy boy who infused the ordinary aspects of life with extraordinary love for God. During his 15 years on earth, he lived as a regular young person, going to school, playing soccer, eating at the pizzeria with his peers — though somehow making all of these activities a lived Gospel. In the regularity of his life, he “[dedicated] his life, moment by moment, to the highest goal to which all men are called: eternal bliss with God.” Among typical teen interests like video games, computer programming, and making home movies with his cats and dogs, he also loved the Eucharist. In fact, he loved the Eucharist in a most profound way, never missing an opportunity to go to Mass or Adoration. This love for the Eucharist, and the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, became the driving source of his sanctity — a “home base” for him to enter the presence of God and further radiate it to others. The internet, to Carlo, was also a means of evangelization — it was another space in which he was also able to transmit God. Using his computer skills, Carlo designed an online Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition that is now translated into 17 languages and has been displayed across the world! Carlo Acutis is a model for all youth today. His life shows young people that sanctity is possible, and indeed nearer than they might imagine! Carlo’s example offers a roadmap to young people wondering how they can live holy lives in this day and age. What’s more, the beatification of this first millennial saint shows us that God is not done making saints yet; he reminds us all, young and old alike, that the Lord makes saints in every age and generation!

 

Below are a few quotes from Carlo Acutis:

“Not me, but God.” “To always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan.” “[When] you put yourself in front of the sun you get tanned... but when you put yourself in front of Jesus in the Eucharist you become a saint." "If God possesses our heart we will possess the Infinite." “I am happy to die because I have lived my life without wasting a minute on those things which do not please God.”   Blessed Carlo Acutis, pray for us!   To read more about Blessed Carlo Acutis, visit carloacutis.com.