Becoming Carlo Acutis
St. Carlo Acutis
Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, England, to Italian parents and was raised in Milan, Italy. From his earliest years, he showed a deep love for God and a special devotion to the Eucharist. He received his First Communion at the age of seven and made the Eucharist the center of his life. Carlo attended daily Mass, prayed the rosary, and spent time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. He often said that the Eucharist was his “highway to heaven.”
Alongside his deep faith, Carlo had a great interest in computers and technology. He taught himself how to code and design websites and used these skills to spread the Gospel. When he was only fourteen, he began documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world and built a website to share them. His goal was to help others rediscover the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. In this way, he showed that technology can be a tool for holiness and evangelization when used for good.
Carlo was known for his kindness and generosity. He looked out for classmates who were bullied, helped the homeless, and gave to the poor from his own allowance. His faith was not something he kept private; he lived it with joy and simplicity. Even as a teenager, he was deeply aware of the needs of others and wanted to reflect the love of Christ in his daily life.
At the age of fifteen, Carlo was diagnosed with acute leukemia. He accepted his illness with remarkable peace, offering his suffering for the Pope and for the Church. He died on October 12, 2006, in Monza, Italy, and was buried in Assisi, a city he loved because of Saint Francis. His body now rests in the Shrine of the Spoliation, where many young people come to pray and seek inspiration from his example.
Carlo was beatified on October 10, 2020, and canonized as a saint on September 7, 2025. He is the patron saint of the internet, computer programmers, and youth.
Reflection
When you look at the purity, charity, and Eucharistic devotion of St. Carlo Acutis, what truth about your own spiritual life comes into focus, and how will you respond to that truth?
How You Can Become Like Saint Carlo Acutis
Carlo’s life shows that holiness is possible for anyone who loves God and tries to live each day with sincerity. You can follow his example by placing Jesus at the center of your life. Start by making the Eucharist a priority. Go to Mass as often as you can, receive Holy Communion with devotion, and spend time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Carlo believed the Eucharist was his highway to heaven, and he let it shape every choice he made.
You can also become like Carlo by building a strong prayer life. Pray the rosary, talk to God throughout the day, and stay close to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Carlo often said that to be a true Christian you must stay connected to God the way a branch stays connected to the vine. Regular prayer keeps your heart open to God’s grace and helps you grow in virtue.
Another way to follow Carlo’s example is to use your talents for good. Carlo loved technology, but he used it to serve God and help others deepen their faith. Think about the gifts God has given you. Whether you are creative, good with computers, skilled in music, or simply kind and encouraging, you can offer your abilities to God just as Carlo did. Every talent becomes meaningful when it is used with love.
Carlo also teaches us the importance of charity. He looked out for people who were lonely or struggling, and he treated everyone with kindness. You can imitate him by being attentive to the people around you. Look for opportunities to help, to listen, and to show compassion. Even small acts of love make a difference and open your heart to God.
Finally, Carlo faced sickness and suffering with trust in God. When you experience difficulties, try to unite them to Jesus and offer them for others. Holiness is not about living a perfect life. It is about loving God, doing good, and surrendering your struggles to Him.
Following Carlo’s example will not make you a saint overnight, but each small step brings you closer to God. Carlo shows that you can love technology, enjoy life, laugh with friends, and still grow in holiness. What mattered most to him was staying close to Jesus. That is where every journey to sainthood begins.
