The Millennial Saint

“The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”

St. Carlo Acutis

Yesterday, Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis as the first millennial saint. Carlo, who died at age 15 from leukemia in 2006, is most specially known for his devotion to the Eucharist, as is depicted in the image of the monstrance above.

Students at St. Michael’s School have been learning about Carlo since he was Beatified (declared Blessed) in 2020 after his first miracle. He is especially inspirational to younger Catholics because they can more easily relate to him. Nicknamed “God’s influencer” and “Gamer saint,” Carlo was a “techie,” who liked playing video games and making films, and he used his skills on the computer to help spread awareness about the Catholic faith. For that reason, he has been declared the patron saint of the Internet. His demeanor and presence are also closely aligned with youth, as he routinely sported a hooded sweatshirt, jeans, and tennis shoes.

It is Carlo's passion for the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist which is at the center of his devotion. At St. Michael’s School, we have selected as this year’s faith focus, the Mass, specifically the Eucharist, which is most fitting. St. Carlo believed “The more Eucharist we receive, the more we become like Jesus.” It is, therefore, no surprise Acutis was a frequent communicant and also enjoyed attending Eucharistic Adoration. To that end, in 2004, he created a website in which he catalogued Eucharistic miracles and listed approved Marian apparitions.

Last Friday, students received a St. Carlo Acutis prayer card to remind them of the church’s newest saint, and to encourage them to follow in his footsteps. Most people think that sainthood is unachievable, but we must remember that we are all born to be saints -- if we do our best to live the Gospel values, to dedicate our lives to Christ, and to love and serve one another. This year has truly been quite remarkable: we have witnessed the first American Pope and now we have experienced the first millennial saint. What other amazing gifts might God have in store for us?

Deo Gratias,

Kathy