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February 29, 2024The story of Blessed Carlo Acutis has deeply impacted people around the world, his conviction serving as an example to people of all faiths. However, it is his influence on young adults that has given Blessed Carlo such remarkable distinction in the Catholic church.
Beginning a tour of the state, students at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School were first to witness the powerful display of unwavering devotion to the Eucharist, The International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles, designed by Acutis, on display at the school from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2.
Blessed Carlo was born in London in 1991 and moved to Italy shortly after. As a child, he felt a strong connection to his faith and found joy in praying the rosary. Blessed Carlo begged his parents to take him on pilgrimages to sites where Eucharistic miracles occurred, his actions resulting in a renewed faith in his mother, Antonia Salzano, who had only attended Mass three times in her life: for her first communion, her confirmation and her wedding to Carlo’s father.
She described being influenced by Carlo’s service to Christ because it was visible in every aspect of his life. “... in every situation, from the smallest thing to the biggest, such as helping out at home, helping children who were victims of bullying, or those in difficulty who had a disability, or the homeless, bringing them food and blankets.”
As a student, he had a reputation for defending classmates who were being treated unfairly. In particular, he felt called to stand in alliance with classmates with disabilities. Although he loved playing video games, he only played them for one hour per week in an effort to maintain his spiritual discipline. Admittedly, Blessed Carlo wanted to play more often, yet he chose to abstain as an act of penance.
In 2006, at the age of 15, he was diagnosed with leukemia. During his brief battle, Blessed Carlo offered his suffering “for the Lord, for the pope, and the Church.” On Oct. 12, 2006, only a week after his diagnosis, Blessed Carlo died.
In 2013, his cause for canonization commenced. In 2018, he was declared venerable, and in 2020 was declared blessed. His beatification took place Oct. 10, 2020, in Assisi. Blessed Carlo’s body, dressed in jeans and sneakers, now lies in repose in a glass tomb in the Sanctuary of the Renunciation in Assisi. His heart, now considered a relic, sits on display in a reliquary at the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi.
Salzano, using the opportunity to continue Carlo’s mission, delivered a simple message to young adults: “Carlo is a young man of your time, who lived what you live, with the same dangers, joys and sorrows. Sainthood is for everyone. Carlo became a saint by practicing the seven theological and cardinal virtues. He knew how to resist and win his fight. Win yours!”
Sally Linhart is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
