C&SI - Blessed Carlo Acutis - the first millennial saint - 3 Nov 2024 (S04E48)

On the podcast this week John and Shane are joined by Mary-Aoife and Seamus Ong who are part of Carlo Acutis Ireland to tell us about Blessed Carlo Acutis who is in line to be the first canonised millennial saint!

We have our regular run through the saints of the week and liturgical odds and ends with our prayer space in part one. And in part three we reflect on the Sunday gospel from St Mark (Mk 12:28-34) where Jesus reminds us of the key commandments of love.

Blessed Carlo Acutis
Seamus and Mary Aoife Ong join us on the podcast to introduce Blessed Carlo Acutis. Carlo was a young website designer born in London to Andrea Acutis and Antonio Salazano in 1991. Carlo grew up in Milan and had huge interest in video games, football, films, and animals, particularly his own pets. At first appearance he seemed like an ordinary boy. However, what separated Carlo from so many people was his constant pursuit of holiness. Although Carlo’s parents Andrea and Antonio were not religious, Carlo’s grandparents had great faith and from a very young age Carlo became deeply invested in serving a life for Jesus. He had many questions for his parents growing up and eventually he brought his parents back to their faith. Carlo was a shining example for his friends in school, and on his football team showing them that Jesus was the way to go in life. He also had a deep interest in the Eucharist and desire to spread awareness that Jesus was truly present in the Eucharist. One of the ways Carlo attempted to do this was by undertaking a school project to design a website highlighting all the Eucharistic miracles.  Carlo also had a huge devotion to our lady and often looked after the homeless, the bullied, and marginalized of society. In 2006 at the tender age of 15 Carlo became extremely ill with galloping leukemia. Although extremely ill, Carlo always remained positive saying ‘there are so many people suffering much more than I am’. Carlo died on 12th October 2006. Since then, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit his tomb every year in Assisi. Two miracles have been contributed to his name and he is currently awaiting canonization in Rome. 

• Official Carlo Acutis website
• Carlo Acutis Ireland website