Bl. Carlo Acutis
One
Early Life and Deep Faith
Carlo Acutis was born on May 3rd, 1991, in London, England, to Italian parents but was raised in Milan, Italy. From a young age, he exhibited a profound love for the Eucharist, attending daily Mass and praying the Rosary. At just ten years old, he said, "Jesus is very creative because he hides in a little piece of bread, and only God could do something so incredible!"
He discovered that the Consecration of the Mass was the most important moment to ask Jesus for what he needed. "Who can intercede more for us than a God who offers himself back to God," he pointed out. When he received the Eucharist, he begged, "Jesus, make yourself at home! Live within me as if it were your own dwelling!"
Carlo would often prepare before Mass, usually in Adoration, and always remained with Jesus after receiving Him in the Eucharist, in what is called Eucharistic Thanksgiving. "To always be close to Jesus, that's my life plan," he declared. But he lamented that others didn’t know the Lord:
"We can find God in his Body, Soul, and Divinity present in all the tabernacles of the world! If we think about it, we are much more fortunate than those who met Jesus on this earth two thousand years ago, because we have God 'really and substantially' with us always. It is enough to visit a nearby church. 'Jerusalem' is in every church! No room for despair! God is always with us and will never abandon us. How can people grasp this truth? Throngs of people stand in interminable lines to buy tickets to rock concerts or soccer matches, but I don’t see crowds of people lined up outside church waiting to see Jesus in the Eucharist. This should make us pause and reflect. Perhaps people really haven’t yet understood! Jesus is present among us in his very Body just as he was during his mortal life among his friends. If we reflected on this seriously, we would never leave him alone in the tabernacles waiting for us with love, wanting to help us and to support our earthly journey."
Two
Technology, Programming, and Evangelization
From a young age, Carlo had an extraordinary aptitude for computers and technology. By grade school, he was programming and exploring advanced computer science topics typically reserved for university students, largely self-educated in computer programming. He saw the internet as a tool for evangelization and a means to reach people who might not encounter the Gospel otherwise. "The internet is a gift from God, but it is also a responsibility. We must use it to bring the truth to others, not falsehood."
At the age of eleven, Carlo began developing a website dedicated to cataloging all the Eucharistic miracles recognized by the Catholic Church. The site included detailed descriptions, historical context, photographs, and maps of over 136 Eucharistic miracles from different countries. His work expanded beyond the internet. Carlo designed a multimedia exhibition displaying panels of these miracles, which has been hosted in over 10,000 parishes worldwide, including major cities like New York, Rome, and Tokyo.
Carlo's goal was to rekindle faith in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, especially among those who were doubtful or indifferent. "The more we receive the Eucharist, the more we will become like Jesus so that on this earth we will have a foretaste of heaven."
Three
Authenticity in a Conformist World
Carlo Acutis strongly believed that each person is uniquely created by God with specific gifts, talents, and a distinct purpose. He saw individuality as a divine attribute to be embraced and celebrated. He said, "All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies."
He recognized that societal pressures often lead individuals to abandon their true selves in favor of conformity. Carlo noted that society imposes standards encouraging people to fit into predefined molds, whether in success, appearance, or behavior. Especially among young people, the desire to be accepted by peers can lead to mimicking others rather than expressing one's true identity.
He taught that true identity and worth come from being a child of God, not from external validation or adherence to popular trends. "Everyone is born with their own originality, but many people lose it by trying to be like someone else."
Carlo urged individuals to look inward and upward, finding their value in their relationship with God.
Four
Illness and Sacrifice
At the age of fifteen, Carlo was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia in early October 2006. Confronted with this life-threatening illness, he accepted his condition with remarkable peace and unwavering faith. He saw his suffering not as a misfortune but as a means to draw closer to Jesus.
Carlo consciously chose to offer up his pain for the intentions of the Pope and the Church, embracing the concept of redemptive suffering—the belief that one's own pain can contribute to the good of others when offered to God. "I offer all the suffering I will have to suffer for the Lord, for the Pope, and the Church."
Despite intense pain, he declined the use of morphine, explaining that he wanted to remain as lucid as possible, saying, "I want to share as much as possible in Jesus's suffering on the cross."
Even in his final days, Carlo showed deep concern for those around him. He comforted his parents and expressed gratitude to the medical staff, often asking how they were doing. Carlo maintained a joyful spirit, reassuring his loved ones about his readiness to meet God. His hope and serenity provided comfort to his family and friends. "I am happy to die because I have lived my life without wasting even a minute on things that do not please God."
Five
Miracle and Beatification
Carlo passed away on October 12th, 2006. On October 12th, 2013, a Brazilian four-year-old named Mattheus was in line with his family to visit a relic of Carlo Acutis. Mattheus had an annular pancreas, weighed just 20 pounds, couldn't eat, constantly vomited, and always had stomach pain. Doctors were sure he wouldn't live past the age of five.
Mattheus's mother had begun a novena to Carlo for her son's healing. At the veneration service, she told her son that Carlo was in heaven and encouraged him to ask Carlo for whatever he wanted. Sitting on his grandpa's lap, Mattheus lunged and kissed the relic, requesting, "Stop vomiting!" Witnesses saw the touching moment.
Afterward, Mattheus told his family he was healed. At home, he requested his brothers' favorite foods and ate heartily for the first time in his life. Scans confirmed that his pancreas had changed immediately, and doctors were mystified by the healing. Carlo, Mattheus’s new friend from heaven, had obtained a miracle for him from the Lord.
He was beatified on October 10th, 2020, by Pope Francis. Known as the patron of the internet, Carlo demonstrated that faith and modern life are not at odds. His life serves as a testament to how technology can be harmoniously integrated with spirituality to enrich both. His Eucharistic Miracles exhibition and website continue to be powerful tools for evangelization, reaching millions, and inspiring initiatives that merge technology with faith-based outreach. “To always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan.”