Religious Education
SAINT CARLO ACUTIS
This Sunday (Sep 7th) ), the Church celebrates the canonisation of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, two young men from Italy whose lives continues to inspire people of all ages. Some of our year 6 students took the name Carlo as their Confirmation name just last week.
Carlo was born in London in 1991 but grew up in Milan. From a very young age, he showed a deep love for God. He often said that “the Eucharist is my highway to Heaven” and made time to attend daily Mass and pray the Rosary. Despite living in the modern digital age, Carlo used technology not for himself, but to spread the Good News and share his faith with others.
Carlo was an ordinary boy who enjoyed playing soccer, video games, and spending time with friends. However, what made him extraordinary was the way he placed God at the centre of his life. He showed kindness to those who were lonely, defended classmates who were bullied, and shared his joy and faith generously.
At the age of just 15, Carlo was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia. Even in his illness, he remained full of trust in God, offering his suffering for the Pope and for the Church. He died in 2006, but his witness of faith and hope has continued to spread across the world.
The process of canonisation in the Catholic Church requires careful study of a person’s life, virtues, and faith. In Carlo’s case, two miracles were attributed to his intercession – healings that could not be explained by science. After being declared “Blessed” in 2020, he was officially recognised as a saint in 2025, making him the first millennial to be canonised.
For our students, St. Carlo Acutis is a powerful role model. He shows that holiness is not something far away or impossible, but something we can live every day through kindness, prayer, and love for others. He also reminds us that technology can be used in positive ways – not for selfishness or distraction, but to share goodness and faith.
As we celebrate the canonisation of St. Carlo Acutis, may we encourage our children to follow his example: to put God first, to treat others with compassion, and to see the Eucharist as the heart of their journey with Christ.
If your family would like to be part of this historical event and watch the cannonization ceremony you can do so via the following links.
The official Vatican channel will stream the Mass, including the canonization ceremony, live from St. Peter's Square.
EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network):
You can watch the live broadcast on their website and their associated YouTube channel.
PRAYER
Oh God, Our Father,
Thank you for giving us Carlo, a life example for the young and a message of love for everyone.
You made him become enamoured with Your Son Jesus, Making of the Eucharist his “Highway to Heaven”.
You gave him Mary, as a most loving Mother, and, with the Rosary, you made him a poet of her tenderness.
Receive his prayer for us. Above all, gaze upon the poor, whom he loved and helped.
Grant for me too, by his intercession, the grace that I need ...And make our joy fulfilled, placing Carlo among the Saints of your Church, so that his smile may shine again for us in the glory of your name.
Amen
Kathryn Ady
Religious Education Leader