Saint Carlo Acutis was just like a lot of us—he loved video games, hanging out with friends, playing soccer, and messing around with computers. But what made him stand out was how much he loved Jesus, especially in the Eucharist. He once said, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven,” and he meant it.
Carlo used his tech skills to build a website that tracked and explained Eucharistic miracles from all over the world. Basically, he wanted to show people that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist, and he found a creative way to make that message go viral before “going viral” was even a thing.
When he got sick with leukemia at just 15, Carlo didn’t complain. Instead, he offered up his suffering for others and stayed close to God the whole time. He died in 2006, but his story didn’t end there. He was beatified in 2020 and canonized on September 7, 2025, becoming the first millennial saint.
Saint Carlo shows us that you don’t have to be old or perfect to be holy—you just have to be willing to say “yes” to God and live fully for Him, even in the middle of school, sports, scrolling, and whatever else life throws at you. He’s proof that sainthood is possible in jeans and sneakers.
Catholic Concepts | 10/14/2024
Early Life and Devotion
Blessed Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, England, to Italian parents. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Milan, Italy. From a young age, Carlo exhibited a remarkable devotion to his faith. Despite being raised in a secular environment, his spiritual curiosity and love for Jesus led him to request frequent visits to churches and to learn about the saints. He made his First Holy Communion at the age of seven and developed a deep love for the Eucharist, which became the center of his spiritual life.
Passion for Technology and Evangelization
Carlo was a typical teenager in many ways; he loved soccer, video games, and computers. However, he stood out for his dedication to using his technological skills for evangelization. He taught himself computer programming and used his talents to create websites that cataloged Eucharistic miracles around the world. His goal was to share the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith with others, using modern means to reach a broader audience.
Love for the Eucharist
Carlo had a profound love for the Eucharist, often referring to it as his "highway to heaven." He attended daily Mass, spent time in Eucharistic adoration, and prayed the Rosary daily. His devotion to the Eucharist inspired him to lead a life of charity and kindness, always willing to help those in need. Carlo believed that the more one received the Eucharist, the more they would become like Jesus.
Diagnosis and Suffering
In 2006, Carlo was diagnosed with acute leukemia. Despite the aggressive nature of his illness, he remained joyful and accepting, offering his suffering for the Pope and the Church. His faith and serenity in the face of suffering deeply moved those around him. Carlo's strength and holiness during his illness were a testament to his deep relationship with God and his unwavering trust in divine providence.
Death and Beatification
Carlo Acutis passed away on October 12, 2006, at the age of 15. His life, though short, left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His cause for beatification began in 2013, and he was declared Venerable in 2018 by Pope Francis. On October 10, 2020, Carlo was beatified in Assisi, Italy, where his body rests. He is often referred to as the "Cyber Apostle of the Eucharist" for his efforts to share his faith through technology.
Feast Day and Legacy
Blessed Carlo Acutis's feast day is celebrated on October 12th. He is remembered for his profound Eucharistic devotion, his use of technology to evangelize, and his example of holiness in everyday life. Carlo's legacy continues to inspire young people to use their talents for the glory of God and to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus through the Eucharist.
Reflection and Encouragement
The story of Blessed Carlo Acutis challenges us to think critically about our use of technology and use it only as a tool for evangelization. His example encourages young people to pursue holiness in their daily activities and to use their skills and interests to evangelize and serve others. Carlo's life reminds us that sanctity is attainable at any age and that true joy is found in a deep relationship with God.
May the example of Blessed Carlo Acutis inspire us to deepen our love for the Eucharist, to use our talents for evangelization, and to strive for holiness in our everyday lives.
For more, visit catholicconcepts.com/saints.
Saint Carlo Acutis
Our Patron Saints
If we go out in the sun, we get a suntan... but when we get infront of Jesus in the Eucharist, we become saints.
- Saint Carlo Acutis