Blessed Carlo Acutis
Born: May 9, 1991
Died: October 12, 2006
Feast day: October 12
Patron of: the internet, computer programmers
Though Blessed Carlo Acutis’ life was short, his deep faith and devotion to the Eucharist serve as a powerful reminder of the riches the church can uncover when we empower young adults to be protagonists of their faith. Acutis was born in London in 1991, though his family quickly moved to Milan, Italy, where he was raised. Though his parents were not particularly religious, Acutis was drawn to the Catholic faith at a young age. A frequent communicant who often spent time in front of the Blessed Sacrament and made weekly confessions, Acutis’ faith was not confined to just piety: he espoused gospel values in everything he did. He would defend classmates from bullies, regularly seek out those experiencing challenges at home, and volunteer with those experiencing hunger, homelessness, or poverty. Perhaps most famously, Acutis used his technological savvy in service to the church, as he meticulously documented every eucharistic miracle, starting at age 11. His life was tragically cut short, as he was diagnosed with leukemia at age 15. In his final days, he offered his sufferings for the pope and for the whole Catholic Church. Demonstrating everyday holiness in everything he did, Blessed Carlo Acutis shows us how we can sanctify both “ordinary” moments and even our hobbies for the greater glory of God.
