Carlo Acutis: A Gamer Turned Blessed in the Catholic Faith

A Brief Journey of a Virtuous Life

In the heart of Assisi, on October 10, 2020, the sanctity of a young Catholic Italian boy, Carlo Acutis, was honored. Acutis, a mere teenager, departed the world in 2006, but his legacy has only grown since then. An ardent gamer, a skillful computer programmer, a soccer enthusiast, and a profound lover of the Eucharist, his life continues to pique interest globally.

Carlo Acutis, born in London on May 3, 1991, had a short yet impactful life. Shortly after his birth, his parents, Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano, moved their abode to Milan. Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia as a teenager, a life-altering ordeal he offered to Pope Francis and the Church.

Blessed Carlo Acutis: An Embodiment of Faith and Fortitude

Despite his young age, Carlo displayed an extraordinary affinity for God. His parents, not religious, witnessed this young boy's unwavering devotion, which led him to frequent prayer, mass attendance, and love for holy pilgrimages.

His unyielding faith catalyzed a spiritual awakening in his mother, triggering a family tradition of daily mass and communion. Carlo's influence wasn't limited to his immediate family; he was a beacon of hope for his peers, supporting those bullied or sidelined.

Carlo Acutis: The Tech-Savvy Saint

Carlo used his programming skills to create a website promoting Eucharistic miracles in a remarkable blend of faith and technology. The site served as an online beacon of his belief: "The more often we receive the Eucharist, the more we will become like Jesus."

While he had a fervor for video games, specifically PlayStation, he practiced restraint. Limiting his gaming to one hour per week, he used this as penance and spiritual discipline.

The Miraculous Journey to Beatification

Years after his death on October 12, 2006, Carlo's body was exhumed and found intact but not incorrupt. A glass tomb became his resting place, where he lay dressed in his preferred casual jeans and Nikes, his heart now revered as a relic displayed in the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.

Conclusion

Carlo Acutis' journey to beatification is a compelling narrative of faith, compassion, and resilience. His tale is a testament to the profound impact one can make, regardless of age or circumstance. His legacy transcends his short-lived years, reminding us that even in the digital age, faith finds its way, turning ordinary lives into extraordinary stories.