Saint Carlo Acutis: A Teen Who Found Heaven on Earth

Inspired by a Homily by Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo on the occasion of the visit of the Perricardium Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis to Canada (October 2024)

In a world that tells us happiness comes from success, looks, and popularity, Saint Carlo Acutis stands out as a radiant reminder that true joy comes from God.

Born in 1991 in London to wealthy Italian parents, Carlo had everything the world says should make a person happy. He was bright, athletic, loved animals, loved life, and was a computer genius, the kind of teenager everyone would expect to have it all. But Carlo discovered early that no amount of wealth or talent could fill the deepest longing of the human heart.

So what was his secret? Why was Carlo so joyful?

A Passion for Holiness

Carlo’s greatest dream wasn’t to be rich or famous; it was to be holy. “To be always united to Jesus,” he wrote at just seven years old, “this is my life plan.”

That simple plan shaped everything he did. Carlo kept “daily appointments” with God, small, consistent habits that anchored his life in grace and joy.

Five Appointments with God

1. Daily Mass

   Carlo went to Mass every day because, as he said, “The more we receive the Eucharist, the more we become like Jesus, so that we can taste heaven on earth.”

   
   

2. Eucharistic Adoration

   He spent time each day in front of the Blessed Sacrament. “By being before Jesus in the Eucharist, we become holy,” he said

   
   

3. Confession

   Carlo went to Confession weekly. He often wondered why people were so focused on keeping their bodies beautiful but ignored the beauty of their souls. He reminded everyone that we are made for Heaven.

   
   

4. Love for Mary and the Saints

   He prayed the Rosary and looked up to the Saints, especially young ones. “The only thing we need to ask God for,” Carlo said, “is to be a saint.”

   
   

5. Charity

   Carlo didn’t build hospitals or start a foundation. He simply loved the people in front of him, the poor, the lonely, the bullied. “Life is a gift,” he said. “As long as we are on this planet, we can increase our love, and the more we love, the more we’ll enjoy Heaven.”

   
   

Ready for Heaven

At 15, Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia. In just six days, his life on earth ended, but he faced it without fear. “I’m not afraid to die,” he said, “because I have not wasted my life on things that do not please God.”

Carlo lived a short life, but not a small one. His heart, literally and spiritually, beats with the love of Christ. Today, his heart relic travels around the world, reminding us of his simple mission: to help our hearts beat with the same passion for Jesus.

The Invitation

Carlo once said, “Everyone is born an original, but many die as photocopies.”

He challenges each of us, young and old, to choose holiness, to make daily appointments with God, and to find Heaven right here on Earth through love.