10/12/2026
Today the Church celebrates the first millennial saint, St. Carlo Acutis! He died twenty years ago today at the age of 15.
Carlo was born in London to Italian parents on May 3, 1991. Shortly after, the Acutis family moved back to Italy for work-related reasons, eventually settling in Milan. Though his family was well-off, Carlos always showed a humble and generous spirit, especially in reaching out to those on the margins. He declined fancy vacations, preferring instead to visit Assisi, the home of St. Francis and St. Clare.
From an early age, Carlo exhibited an interest in computers, technology, and video games. He loved his pets and making silly videos starring them. But he prioritized God’s will above everything else, adopting the phrase, “Dio, non io: God and not me.” He taught himself computer programming and web design, regularly volunteering his services to his parish and school. He also volunteered as a catechist for the First Communion and Confirmation candidates, utilizing his skills in technology to enhance their communication. He would caution his fellow students on the evils of po*******hy, and firmly believed technology was meant to be a tool and not a source for distraction and sin.
Carlo devotion to the Eucharist was a profound aspect of his life that truly shaped him as a person. At a time when many of his peers were leaving the church, Carlo became more and more drawn to the Eucharist. He attended Mass almost every day and loved to spend time in Adoration. In his own words: “The Eucharist is my motorway to heaven,” and “With each Communion we come closer to the goal of sanctity.” It was this profound devotion that inspired his own website documenting Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions.
At the age of 15, Carlo was diagnosed with Leukemia and died shortly after, offering his sufferings for the pope. He was buried in the town of Assisi which he loved so much. Since his death, his exhibitions on Eucharistic miracles have traveled across the globe. Carlo was canonized alongside St. Pier Giorgio Frassati on September 7, 2025, with his family in attendance.
St. Carlo Acutis, pray for us!
