Unveiling the "Cyber Apostle": Carlo Acutis, the Millennial Saint
Cyber-Apostle Consecrated as Saint by Pope Leo XIV in September
Get ready to meet Carlo Acutis, the first saint of the Millennial and internet generation, set to be canonized on September 7 by Pope Leo XIV. This 2006 deceased teenager, who would have turned 33 this year, is popularly known as the patron saint of the Internet due to his early embrace of digital technology in spreading the Word of God [4][5].
Born in London to Italian parents and raised in Milan, this devout Catholic attended daily Mass and had a strong devotion to the Eucharist, eventually becoming a catechist at age 12 [3][4].
In the digital realm, Acutis showcased his computer skills by creating a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles worldwide. His creation, featuring over 150 miracles by country and date in nearly 20 languages, became a valuable resource for believers, spreading awareness of the Eucharist's significance [5][4].
On the ground, Acutis demonstrated his compassion towards the less fortunate by cooking and delivering food to the homeless and an active participation in parish life, even preparing younger children for their First Communion [4].
Acutis' approach to technology was balanced, limiting his daily screen time to just one hour, demonstrating a commendable self-discipline for spiritual pursuits despite his technological passion [4].
Losing his battle to leukemia at the tender age of 15, Acutis left behind a legacy marked by his humility, joy, and unwavering devotion to the Eucharist, which inspired many [1][3]. The Vatican recognized two miracles attributed to his intercession: the healing of a Brazilian boy in 2013 (followed by his beatification in 2020) and the healing of a Costa Rican student in 2022 (paving the way for his upcoming canonization) [1][3].
Together with Acutis, Pier Giorgio Frassati will also be canonized. The young man from Turin dedicated himself to the poor and sick in the 1920s, eventually succumbing to polio at the age of 24 [2]. Pope Francis had previously counted both Acutis and Frassati among the role models for young people.
Emulating Acutis' unifying of faith, technology, and charity, modern young Catholics and digital natives find inspiration in this remarkable individual navigating the challenges of digital life [5][4].
[1] ntv.de
[2] dpa
[3] ModernCatholic.com
[4] carloacutis.com
[5] Catholicnewsagency.com
Carlo Acutis' website, cataloging Eucharistic miracles worldwide, provided valuable entertainment and spiritual enlightenment for believers, demonstrating the potential of technology to spread the Word of God. Similar to celebrities, his life story and miracles have inspired countless individuals, especially modern young Catholics and digital natives, in their pursuit of faith, technology, and charity.
