British-born Italian Carlo Acutis has quickly become an icon of faith and digital innovation for the Catholic Church. Born in 1991, he displayed phenomenal skill in computer science from an early age. Tragically, Acutis lost his battle with leukemia at the tender age of 15 in 2006. Today, his legacy serves as a beacon to inspire generations.
Acutis’s fascination with technology drove him to learn a dozen different computer coding languages. He quickly learned to code and put this talent to work building websites that benefitted not just his parish but the Catholic Church at large. His commitment to integrating faith with technology has made him an inspiring and approachable figure for young Catholics in the world today.
In 2020, the Catholic Church acknowledged Acutis’s work to unite faith and technology by beatifying him. This act raised him to the title of “Servant of God,” the first step on the path to sainthood. His beatification is of immense importance. With his canonization, he has now become the first millennial generation saint, joining the revered circle that includes figures such as Mother Teresa and Francis of Assisi.
The lengthy process that has led to his beatification included extensive examination into his life and miracles performed. Acutis was attributed with two miracles, which are essential in this process. The Brazilian child’s healing was the first miracle attributed to the intercession of the new saint. The second miracle was the astounding recovery of a 21-year-old woman from Costa Rica. She had almost died after a horrible bike crash, but her strength and spirit came through.
Acutis’s parents played a crucial role in his beatification process. So they passionately implored their son to help them. Their prayers were realized when the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints accepted Acutis’s cause for sainthood. The unbelievable faith and devotion of the people around him was part of what led to the recognition of Acutis as a modern-day saint.
Acutis’s effect is more than miracles and his upcoming beatification. He is the connection between faith and technology. His story encourages young people to pursue their passions while developing their spiritual journey. Now the Church as a whole is reexamining his legacy. Acutis serves as a powerful example that faith can indeed flourish in the digital age.
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