The Rise of Carlo Acutis: A Unique Journey to Sainthood
Carlo Acutis was not an ordinary teenager. Born on May 3, 1991, in London to Italian parents, he displayed a profound devotion to God from a young age. His life, tragically cut short by leukemia at the age of 15, was marked by acts of selflessness, piety, and a deep love for the Catholic Church. Acutis became a source of inspiration for many, not only for his extraordinary spiritual life but also for his embrace of technology in spreading the message of Christ. Today, he is on the cusp of becoming the first millennial saint, a remarkable achievement for someone so young and unheard of during his lifetime.
In 2013, Acutis was named a “Servant of God,” the first step on the path to canonization. His unwavering devotion and virtuous life caught the attention of Pope Francis, who venerated him in 2018. Acutis’ body was then exhumed and brought to a tomb in Assisi, where he rests today dressed in his trademark ’90s teenager garb, including jeans, sneakers, and a sweatshirt. This unconventional choice of attire symbolizes a great message according to Father Carlos Acácio Gonçalves Ferreira, the shrine’s rector: the possibility of holiness in the midst of daily life, even for the youth of today.
The tomb in Assisi quickly became a pilgrimage site, attracting many young people who found inspiration in Acutis’ example. A Franciscan monk based at the tomb noted the influx of visitors, a testament to the impact Acutis has had on the lives of many. Acutis’ popularity continued to grow, capturing the attention of people worldwide.
To reach the next stage in the process of becoming a saint, Acutis and his followers needed to provide evidence of a miracle. This miracle had to be beyond scientific explanation, emphasizing the intervention of a higher power. In 2013, a woman from Brazil claimed that praying to Acutis had healed her son’s pancreatic defect. This case underwent intense scrutiny and examination, with doctors acknowledging the inexplicable nature of the healing. In 2020, Pope Francis authenticated this miracle, leading to Acutis’ beatification, celebrating his virtuous life.
What followed was another miracle that solidified Acutis’ path to sainthood. In May 2024, a 21-year-old girl from Costa Rica involved in a bike accident was miraculously healed after her mother knelt at Acutis’ grave and prayed for his intercession. Her recovery was deemed medically impossible, leading to the recognition of a second miracle. This development prompted Pope Francis to approve Acutis’ canonization, setting the stage for an official ceremony in 2025.
Acutis’ path to sainthood is unique in many ways. His young age and relatively recent birth, May 3, 1991, make him the first millennial saint. To put this into perspective, of the 912 saints canonized by Pope Francis, the closest in birth date is from 1926. Acutis has become a symbol for the younger generation and has been dubbed as “God’s influencer” and the “patron saint of the internet” by some Catholics. His relatability and understanding of the digital age make him an idol and role model for young people seeking guidance in a rapidly changing world.
The cult following surrounding Carlo Acutis continues to spread across the globe. Relics associated with him, such as a piece of the sheet that shrouded his corpse, a fragment of one of his sweatshirts, and even his actual heart, have toured internationally, drawing huge crowds. The devotion and admiration for Acutis have led to the creation of various merchandise, including figurines, rosary beads, posters, and keychains. Efforts to memorialize Acutis can be seen in the form of a life-size statue at Carfin Grotto in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, as well as a stained-glass window in Wiltshire, designed to attract young churchgoers.
The fascination with Acutis has extended beyond physical memorabilia. His story has been adapted into a comic book that tells his inspiring journey, making his life and message accessible to a wider audience. There is even a virtual reality experience that allows users to step into Acutis’ shoes, gaining a unique perspective on his remarkable life. For those who are unable to visit his tomb in person, a 24/7 livestream allows virtual visitors to pay their respects and make online donations.
It is worth noting that while the Catholic Church does not pick saints, the popularity of Acutis among the Catholic community aligns with the Church’s desire for a young role model. Furthermore, Acutis’ story highlights the Church’s embrace of technology in spreading the message of Christ. Pope Francis, in his annual lectures on communications technology, has recognized the internet as a “gift from God” that can be used to promote faith and devotion. Acutis represented a godly and faithful use of technology, utilizing it to inspire commitment to Catholic teaching, virtuous living, and devotion to the rituals of the Church.
However, the exploration of the internet’s potential for blasphemy and immoral behavior remains a concern for the Church. Pope Francis has warned about the temptations of self-absorption, isolation, and empty pleasure that the digital age can bring. Many Christians are still grappling with the challenge of integrating their faith into a world dominated by laptops, cell phones, and social media. The life of Acutis offers a hopeful example of how technology can be used for pious and virtuous purposes.
In conclusion, Carlo Acutis stands on the precipice of becoming the first millennial saint, an extraordinary achievement for someone so young. His devout and selfless life, combined with his embrace of technology, has captured the attention of people worldwide. Acutis’ relatability and relevance to the younger generation have made him an idol and a role model for many seeking guidance in navigating the challenges of the digital age. The fascination with his story and the devotion to his memory continue to grow, solidifying his place in history and inspiring others to live virtuously and faithfully.
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