Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager beatified in 2020, is remembered for his deep faith, technological creativity, and life of service. Using his skills to promote devotion to the Eucharist through websites and documentaries, his short but inspiring life continues to resonate with young Catholics worldwide. Drawing from his example, BETTY AMUKPO asked some teenagers to share the lessons they see in his model of youthful Catholicism. Their responses follow:
‘Carlo Acutis used technology to proclaim Christ’
Blessed Carlo Acutis loved Jesus in the Eucharist and called it his “Highway to heaven.” He lived a holy life by helping the poor and spreading faith online. John 6:51 – “I am the living bread.” Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart.” 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Set an example in faith.” Carlo Acutis used technology to proclaim Christ. He loved daily Mass and cared for the poor. His hope was heaven. Matthew 28:19 – “Go and make disciples.” Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to this world.” Proverbs 3:6 – “In all your ways acknowledge Him.” Blessed Carlo called the Eucharist his greatest treasure. He offered his illness for the Church, showing faith and hope. Biblical verses: John 6:35 – “I am the bread of life.” James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word.” Matthew 25:40 – “Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me.”
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘He was celebrated for his devotion to the Eucharist’
Blessed Carlo Acutis (3 May 1991 – 12 October 2006) was a British-born Italian student who was celebrated for his devotion to the Eucharist and his use of digital media to promote Catholic devotion. He was born in London and raised in Milan, he created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions. He was diagnosed with leukemia, and died at age fifteen. Beatified by the Catholic Church in 2020, he is regarded as a model for young believers and is scheduled to be canonised as a saint this day 7 September 2025. Carlo Acutis is often referred to as the “first millennial saint” May his deep reverence to the Eucharist inspire the young ones in our society to embrace Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament as the author and finisher of our faith. Amen.
• Princess Ogechukwu Okorie
‘Blessed Carlo Acutis used his internet savvy to exhibit Eucharistic miracles’
Blessed Carlo Acutis was born May 3, 1991, in London, and later moved with his parents, Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano, to Milan, Italy. He was diagnosed with leukemia as a teenager. Blessed Carlo had a special love for God (Deuteronomy 6:5), even though his parents weren’t especially devoted and he wasn’t afraid to defend Church teaching (1 Peter 3:15), Carlo was a faithful friend. He was known for standing up for kids at school who got bullied, especially kids with disabilities (Psalm 82:3). Carlo was fascinated with computer coding and taught himself some of the basic coding languages, including C and C++. He used his computer skills and internet savvy to help his family put together an exhibition on Eucharistic miracles that has gone on to be displayed at thousands of parishes across five continents. Blessed Carlo died on Oct. 12, 2006, and was buried in Assisi. Pope Francis recognised a second miracle attributed to Carlo’s intercession in a decree on May 23, 2024, and he is regarded as a model for young believers and is scheduled to be canonised as a saint on 7 September, 2025 and as the patron saint of the Internet.
• Patricia Oche
‘Blessed Carlo Acutis is a model for young Catholics’
Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991– 2006) was an Italian teenager devoted to the Eucharist and the Catholic faith. From a young age, he displayed a deep love for Jesus, attending daily Mass and praying the Rosary. Carlo used his talent in computer programming to create a website documenting Eucharistic miracles, reflecting his mission to evangelise through modern technology. He died of leukemia at age 15, offering his suffering for the Church and the Pope. Carlo lived out John 6:51 which states, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.” His life echoed 1 Timothy 4:12; “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example…” He was beatified in 2020, becoming a model for young Catholics in the digital age. Carlo’s motto was, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” His legacy continues to inspire faith, love, and devotion among the youths worldwide.
• Asia Yoochi Laura
‘He exemplified how faith and modern technology can work together’
Blessed Carlo Acutis was an extraordinary young Catholic recognised for his strong devotion to the Eucharist and his creative use of technology to convey God’s love globally. He developed an impressive website that chronicled various Eucharistic miracles, reflecting his enthusiasm for the faith and his intent to educate others. Beatified in 2020, Carlo exemplifies how faith and modern technology can work together. He famously stated that, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven,” emphasising his belief in the sacrament’s significance. His life echoes the message of John 6:35, where Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Carlo’s legacy inspires us to strengthen our relationship with the Eucharist and utilise our talents to share the message of God’s love.
• Arnold K. Akalezi
