Blessed Carlo Acutis was an Italian Catholic teenager known for his devotion to the Eucharist and his passion for using technology to spread the faith. He was born on May 3, 1991, in London, England, he moved to Milan, Italy, at a young age with his family. Carlo's profound connection with the Eucharist was evident throughout his life. He received his First Holy Communion at the age of seven, and from that point on, he attended daily Mass whenever possible.
He said, "The Eucharist is my highway to heaven."
In addition to his love for the Eucharist, Carlo was also passionate about using technology to spread the message of the Catholic faith. He had a natural talent for computers and programming, and he used these skills to create a comprehensive online catalog of Eucharistic miracles from around the world.
Carlo Acutis was diagnosed with acute leukemia in 2006, at the age of 15. He passed away on October 12, 2006, in Monza, Italy.
Carlo's reputation for holiness quickly spread, and his cause for canonization was opened. On July 5, 2018, Pope Francis declared him "Venerable," recognizing his heroic virtue. He was beatified on October 10, 2020, in a ceremony held in Assisi, Italy. This beatification marked a significant moment for the Catholic Church, as Carlo Acutis became the first millennial to be beatified.
Blessed Carlo Acutis serves as an inspiration to young Catholics worldwide, demonstrating that holiness is attainable even in the modern world. You can read about the miracle that happened in 2013 in Brazil and lead to his beatification here.
If you want to learn more about Blessed Carlo, his mother released a book this year sharing his story called My Son Carlo: Through the Eyes of His Mother.
Here are 5 simple ways to celebrate his feast day, which is on October 12.
Attend adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Carlo created a comprehensive online catalog of Eucharistic miracles from around the world and had a deep love for the Eucharist. Attend adoration today and spend time in prayer.
Explore the Euchrastic miracles website that Carlo created to learn about all the miracles that have occurred around the world
Click here to start exploring!
Donate to an organization that serves families with young children with cancer
Below are two amazing organizations to consider donating to:
A Kid Again provides year-round free fun-filled adventures that allow children with life-threatening conditions to feel like A Kid Again.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation changes the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families, and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.
Play video games
Carlo was an avid gamer. Pull out an old Nintendo 64 if you have one and have fun playing with other people!
Offer to take communion to someone who is homebound
Bring the body and blood of Christ to a loved one, and speak about the miracles of Blessed Carlo!
How are you planning to celebrate Blessed Carlo?! Let us know in the comments below!
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