Saint of the Day: Bl. Carlo Acutis

Youth (1991-2006)

His life 

+ Carlo was born into an wealthy—but not particularly religious—Italian family in London, England. The family moved to Milan, Italy shortly after his birth. 

+ Showing a natural interest in religion, he received First Holy Communion at his own request when he was seven years old. This marked a beginning in a devotion to the Eucharist that was to remain with him his entire life. 

+ Throughout his brief life, he looked towards particular saints as guides and intercessors, including Saint Tarcisius, Saint Dominic Savio, Saint Bernadette Soubirous, and Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto. 

+ In school, Carlo was a friend and defender of disabled and bullied students and he volunteered in charitable organizations that served the homeless and poor. 

+ Very much a product of his times, Carlo enjoyed movies and playing video games on his PlayStation. He showed a great interest in computers and the internet and he created a website dedicated to cataloguing Eucharistic miracles. In this, he was inspired by the ideas of Blessed Giacomo Alberione and his commitment to using modern means of communication to evangelize. 

+ Carlo developed M3 fulminant leukemia and he reflected, “I offer to the Lord the sufferings that will have to undergo for the Pope and for the Church.” He died from the disease on October 12, 2006.  

+ Blessed Carlo Acutis was beatified in 2020. He is popularly honored as a heavenly patron of youth and of computer programmers. On May 23, 2024, Pope Francis approved the canonization of Blessed Carlo, which will likely take place during the 2025 Jubilee Year.

For prayer and reflection

“He did not ease into comfortable immobilism, but understood the needs of his time, because he saw the face of Christ in the weakest. His witness indicates to today’s young people that true happiness is found by putting God in first place and serving Him in our brothers and sisters, especially the least.”—Pope Francis

Spiritual bonus

On this day we also remember the Capuchin Franciscan priest Saint Serafino of Montegranaro. Noted for his simple and ascetical life, he was known for his ability to read hearts and for the wise guidance he offered both Church and secular leaders. Saint Seraino died on October 12, 1604, in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, and he canonized in 1767. 

Prayer

O God, who in your Saints have given an example and brought us protection in our weakness to help us tread the path of salvation, mercifully grant that we, who honor the heavenly birthday of blessed Carlo, may, through his example, make our way to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal: Common of Common of Holy Men and Women—For Any Saint)
Saint profiles prepared by Fr. Silas Henderson, S.D.S