An Influencer of Faith: Carlo Acutis and His Path to Sainthood
(Photo: Vatican Media)
This Sunday, Carlo Acutis, a young Italian who merged his love for technology with his faith, will be honored as the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. His canonization reflects a modern outreach by the Church to resonate with younger generations through relatable figures.
Carlo Acutis, who passed away from leukemia in 2006, became known worldwide after Pope Francis dubbed him “God’s influencer.” Acutis is widely recognized as the patron saint of the internet, exemplifying a harmonious blend of faith and modernity.
Born in London in 1991, Acutis grew up in Milan where he developed a fervent interest in Catholicism. While his peers engaged in typical teenage pastimes, Acutis dedicated himself to creating religious websites and attending daily mass.
His contributions include a comprehensive digital catalog of Eucharistic miracles, translated into nearly 20 languages, and website development for parishes and Catholic organizations. Despite his tech-savvy lifestyle, Acutis limited his gaming to one hour weekly, choosing to use technology for “communicating values and beauty,” as Pope Francis noted in 2019.
Acutis’ path to sainthood has been notably swift. Beatified in 2020, a mere 14 years posthumously, he has since had two miracles attributed to him. Pope Francis approved a second miracle in May— the healing of Valerie Valverde, a young woman who survived a brain hemorrhage. The first recognized miracle in 2010 involved the recovery of a young Brazilian boy, Matheus Lins Vianna, from a severe pancreatic condition, as reported by Vatican News.
In Brazil’s Campo Grande, where the first miracle occurred, Canonization Week has drawn thousands of attendees. Acutis’ relic, a blue sweater, is on display at São Sebastião Parish, escorted by firefighters, and will remain there permanently after Sunday’s ceremony.
Preparations for the canonization include vigils, processions, and a public lunch post-ceremony. The event will be broadcast live from Rome to São Sebastião Parish starting at 4 a.m. local time, attended by notable figures, including First Lady Mônica Riedel, who stated that Acutis’ story “strengthens our Catholic faith.”
This significant event marks Pope Leo XIV’s first canonization since succeeding Pope Francis. Originally slated for April, it was deferred due to the latter’s passing. Acutis will be canonized alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Italian figure.
Acutis’ legacy continues to inspire, particularly among young Catholics. In Chicago, the Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish engages in activities celebrating his life and works. Eighth-grader Sona Harrison expressed that Acutis is “a lot more relatable” than other saints, stating, “I definitely feel like I’m closer to God when I read about him,” as reported by The Associated Press.
While not a perfect student at Milan’s Tommaseo Institute, Acutis was remembered for his curiosity and passion for faith. Sister Monica Ceroni recalled him as joyful and sensitive, often defending classmates and supporting those in need.
In high school, Acutis stood out for his altruism and devotion, choosing to forgo luxuries to help others and advocate for chastity among peers. His untimely death in 2006 marked the end of a life dedicated to faith and compassion.
At his funeral, Sister Ceroni recounted their last conversation, in which Acutis expressed enthusiasm for returning to school and a focus on computer science. “He was happy to be back at school. He said he wanted to focus on computer science. I will always remember him this way,” she said.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
