Carlo Acutis
Carlo Acutis (3 May 1991 – 12 October 2006) was an English-born Italian Catholic website designer. He helped document Eucharistic miracles and approved Marian apparitions.[1] Acutis would record them on a website he created before his death. He was known for his computer skills, and dedication to the Eucharist.[2] He was nicknamed "God's Influencer".[3]
In May 2024, Pope Francis cleared the way for Acutis to become the first canonized millennial in the Catholic Church.[3][4] He was previously beatified by Pope Francis in October 2020.[5]
Life
[change | change source]Acutis was born in London, England.[4] His family moved to Milan, Italy not long after his birth.[4] Neither of his parents were religious, and they had worked in London and Germany before Acutis was born.[1]
Acutis also struggled with his weight when he was younger.[6] As a sacrifice, he would give up sweets or his favourite movies.[7] He was inspired by the poverty the Franciscan order and wanted to do the same.[8]
Having a passion of computers and web design, Acutis began creating a website dedicated to recording each reported Eucharistic miracle in the world and keeping a list of the approved Marian apparitions of the Catholic Church.[9] Acutis launched the website in 2004[10] and worked on it for two and a half years.[11]
Acutis died on 12 October 2006 in Monza, Italy from a cerebral hemorrhage caused by cancer-related treatments at the age of 15.[12] He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia a week before his death.[12]
It was Acutis' final wish to be buried in Assisi after his death.[13] In April 2018, his body, which did not decompose was brought to the Sanctuary of the Spoliation so that people could visit and pray at his tomb and body.[14]
Legacy
[change | change source]Acutis was beatified by Pope Francis on 10 October 2020, two days before the 14th anniversary of his death.[5]
In April 2022, the first life-sized statue of Acutis in the United Kingdom was honored at Carfin Grotto, North Lanarkshire, Scotland.[15]
Pope Francis has also spoken about Acutis as a model for people who live normal lives to "grow in holiness".[16]
On 23 May 2024, Pope Francis recognized a miracle done by Acutis, making it possible for him to become the first canonized millennial in the Catholic Church.[3][4]
More readings
[change | change source]- Conquer, Will (2021). Carlo Acutis: A Millennial in Paradise. Sophia Institute Press.
References
[change | change source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Smith, Scott. "Blessed Biographies: Carlo Acutis, Future Patron Saint of the Internet". All Roads Lead to Rome. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
- ↑ "Carlo Acutis 'Always Lived in the Presence of God'". National Catholic Register. 27 June 2020.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Pope clears sainthood for Italian Millennial known as 'God's Influencer'". Reuters. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Petri, Alexandra E. (24 May 2024). "Italian Teenager to Become the First Millennial Saint". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Beatification of Carlo Acutis: The First Millennial Is Declared 'Blessed'". National Catholic Register. 10 October 2020. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- ↑ Conquer 2021, p. 77.
- ↑ Conquer 2021, p. 64.
- ↑ Conquer 2021, p. 100.
- ↑ Murphy, Alyssa (7 October 2020). "17 Things Every Catholic Should Know About Soon-to-be-Saint Carlo Acutis". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
- ↑ Conquer 2021, p. 192.
- ↑ Conquer 2021, p. 128.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Blessed Carlo Acutis' doctors recall his last days in hospital". Catholic News Agency. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ↑ Conquer 2021, p. 175.
- ↑ Conquer 2021, p. 175-6.
- ↑ "The UK's First Statue of Blessed Carlo Acutis". 29 April 2022 – via YouTube.
- ↑ Conquer 2021, p. 171.
Other websites
[change | change source]- Official website
- The apparitions of Our Lady – List of Marian apparitions catalogued by Acutis
- Eucharistic Miracles – List of Eucharistic miracles catalogued by Acutis
- 2006 Hagiography Circle
- Wolverhampton Parish of Blessed Carlo Acutis – Incorporating the churches of St Peter & Paul, St Michael and St Bernadette.
- "My Son Carlo" – biography of Carlo Acutis by his mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis