What does a modern Saint look like?

WHAT A MODERN SAINT LOOKS LIKE

Carlo Acutis said, ‘to be always close to Jesus is my life plan.’  With these few words Carlo Acutis outlined the distinguishing feature of his brief existence – to live with Jesus, for Jesus and in Jesus.

Carlo was an English born Catholic youth, an amateur computer programmer who was best known for documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world, cataloging them onto a website which he created before his death of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15.

Like other boys of his age he was avidly interested in computer video games and the internet.  He was a devout Catholic and attended Mass daily and persuaded his mother to be a daily Mass goer too. 

He had a precocious hunger for God.  From a very young age he recited the rosary every day.  He made his First Holy Communion a year early and thereafter attended Mass daily.  Whenever he met homeless persons he attempted to care for them.  He travelled to Assisi regularly.  He loved the saints.  He did all he could to spread love for the Eucharist and our Blessed Lady.  He was considered a genius of computer programming.  He strived to live a holy life.  He enjoyed soccer, Pokémon and watching films.  He was well loved by teachers and fellow pupils and had a good sense of humour.  He loved playing games on his video station, but limited himself to one hour a week as a penance and spiritual discipline.  Carlos used his first savings to buy a homeless man a sleeping bag.  At his funeral hundreds of people came, among them homeless people whom his parents had never seen before.  He had befriended them on his way to prep school in Milan.  He had an advanced meaning of life for a boy of his age.

He said, “I always want to be united to Jesus.”  “Happiness comes by keeping your face turned towards God; sadness by focusing yourself on yourself.”  “Not I, but Christ,” was his motto.  He also said, “Every minute that passes is one minute less to become like God.  And to become like God is my desire.  What does it matter if you can win 1000 battles if you cannot win your corrupt passion.”  Just before he died he said, “To have a long life doesn’t mean to be a good thing, because one can live a very long time and live badly.”  He confessed, “I’m happy to die because I have lived my life not wasting a minute on those things that don’t please God.”  His most famous quip was, “All people are born originals, but many die as photo copies.”

After his death devout townspeople began to attribute miracles to him at their intercession, including the birth of twins to his own mother after four months of his death.  His case was submitted to the Congregation for the cause of saints.   On the 10 of October 2020 Carlos was beatified in Assisi.

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and the distractions of modern life, Carlo Acutis serves as a profound reminder that holiness is attainable for all, regardless of age or occupation.  His life, though brief, was a testament to the power of faith and the impact one individual can have when they choose to live fully for Christ. Carlo's deep love for the Eucharist, his compassion for the marginalized, and his joyful embrace of the digital age as a means of evangelization reflect the very essence of what it means to be a modern saint.

As we look to Blessed Carlo Acutis, we see a young man who understood that sanctity is not reserved for those in religious orders, but is possible here and now, in the midst of everyday life. His example challenges us to pursue holiness with the same fervour, using the tools at our disposal to spread the Gospel and serve others with love.

May Blessed Carlo Acutis inspire us to live our lives with purpose, to seek God's will in all things, and to use our unique gifts to bring others closer to Him.  Let us pray that we too may one day share in the joy of Heaven.

Saint Carlo Acutis, pray for us.

MY WEBSITE IS AT https://fatherfrancismaple.co.uk