I am sure you will be aware of our two new saints canonised last month, Saints Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis. There are lots of articles about them on the internet. They are not hard to find. Here is a little compact edition of what I have found about Saint Carlo Acutis.
Known for his deep devotion to the Catholic faith and his adept use of technology to share religious content, Carlo has become the first millennial saint.
He was born in London on May 3 1991 and his family later moved to Milan, where his passion for computer programming blossomed alongside his deepening faith.
Carlo, who died due to leukaemia in 2006 at the age of 15, was admired for his work in creating a website documenting Eucharistic miracles worldwide. His beatification took place in October 2020, and the recognition of a second miracle ­– an essential step in the process – marked the final step towards sainthood. Pope Francis officially recognised a second miracle attributed to Carlo and approved his canonisation. Carlo is celebrated not only for his piety but also for his ability to integrate his faith with modern technology, resonating deeply with young Catholics around the globe.
His life was characterised by a remarkable integration of faith and reason. Despite his young age, he exhibited an exceptional intellect and a keen interest in understanding the mysteries of technology and Catholicism. He spent many hours developing his skills as a computer programmer while remaining committed to prayer and devotion. His feast day is October 12.
Through his exemplary life and actions, Saint Carlo challenges us to examine our own lives and strive for holiness in all we do. May his legacy continue to inspire us to live lives of virtue, devotion and service to others, as we seek to follow Christ faithfully in the footsteps of this modern-day saint.
“Sadness is looking at ourselves, happiness is looking towards God,” Carlo would say. “The only thing we have to ask God for, in prayer, is the desire to be holy.”
O 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 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 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.

Saint Carlo Acutis, pray for us.

In blessed hope,

Photo © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk