I am 43 years old. My new hero died in 2006 aged 15! In such a short time, Carlo Acutis allowed God to use him in great ways.
On the surface, Carlo did simple things; helped those in need, shared the truth of Jesus Christ and was a loving son. The reality, however was extraordinary. He changed the lives of many people whilst he was alive and even more since he has died.
So, what did he do…?
Carlo, from a young age encouraged his parents to take him to Mass. When he had made his first holy communion he went to Mass everyday, saying
“the more Eucharist we receive, the more we will become like Jesus, so that on this earth we will have a foretaste of heaven.”
He also went to weekly confession as he recognised this was the way to actively imitate the life of Christ; if Christ was perfect we should try to be perfect also.
Do you go to Confession regularly, recognising you need God’s loving forgiveness?
He had a particular concern for his friends who were experiencing challenges such as their parents splitting up. He empathised with their struggles and simply tried to walk alongside them and taking their minds away from the situation they found themselves in.
What seemingly small things do you do to make someone’s life easier?
He used his gifts for the glory of God. He created an extensive website comprehensively documenting all the Eucharistic miracles around the world.
Carlo will be beatified at the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi on Saturday, October 10 at 4 P.M.
We can ask Carlo to intercede for us to God our Father as we know he was so devoted to Him during his short life on earth.
I encourage you to read up on the life of Carlo and get to know this most extraordinary young man.