Reflection
A new Saint for our Times
Pope Francis announced on 20 November 2024 that he will elevate Carlo Acutis, currently titled 'Blessed', to sainthood in 2025 on April 27, during the April 25-27 Jubilee for Adolescents in Rome.
The sunny-faced teen – who was born in London in 1991 and grew up in Milan, Italy – displayed an early attraction to the spiritual life, reciting the rosary and attending Mass daily, serving as a catechist, volunteering at a Church soup kitchen and tutoring children with their homework. At the same time, Acutis was known for his enthusiasm for typical teenage interests, such as video games, pets, soccer and music.
Acutis died of leukemia in 2006 at age 15, having lived a brief life of extraordinary holiness that was marked by a profound devotion to Christ and the Eucharist. His desire to foster awareness of the Blessed Sacrament, along with his formidable computer skills, led him to create a database of Eucharistic miracles throughout the world. Pope Francis beatified him in 2020.
Blessed Carlo Acutis offers a relatable vision for holiness to kids and young adults. It is easy to see how students could be absolutely fascinated and drawn to Carlo,
“It’s like, ‘Wow, he looks like me. I’m just like him. … He lived in our lifetime.’ He talks my language – he’s a computer programmer, he played soccer. “
Carlo lived his faith in how he cared for others, always helping the homeless and those who lived in poverty in Milan, and at school he was always caring for fellow pupils who were suffering, particularly if there were difficulties in their home or if they were being bullied. At the age of 15 he died happy because he looked towards God while he lived.
May we be inspired by Carlo to celebrate life, to celebrate the sacraments regularly, to listen to God calling us in our life, to answer his call and to go forth and ‘bear fruit.’
Holy Family of Nazareth, be our inspiration and our guide.
Jesus of Nazareth, help us to grow in Faith, Wisdom and Knowledge.
This article was based on:
https://www.cathstan.org/faith/joy-gratitude-over-news-of-acutis-and-frassati-canonization-dates
