Carlo Acutis: A Messenger of Hope to the Youth

  •   Sun, Apr 27 2025
  •   By Fr Ajay Nelson D'Silva SJ

April 27, 2025 

Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager whose incredible life was marked by a unique mix of deep faith and a love for technology, continues to inspire young people all over the world. His story is one of holiness that fits perfectly into our modern lives, creating a connection between faith and technology that really resonates with today’s youth. Carlo's beatification in the year 2020 serves as a powerful reminder of his inspiring example, delivering a message of hope and encouragement to young people who often wrestle with questions about their identity, belongingness, and purpose. 

The life of Carlo Acutis 

Born on May 3, 1991, in London and raised in Milan, Carlo Acutis was a typical teenager in many respects, but his dedication to God truly set him apart. With a passion for computers, he didn’t just see technology as a hobby; he used it as a way to share the Church's message. His love for the Eucharist inspired him to document Eucharistic miracles from around the globe, creating a website to catalog and share these powerful stories of faith. His innovative approach beautifully combined his tech-savvy nature with a deep respect for the central mystery of Catholic faith — the Eucharist. Carlo’s spiritual maturity shone through from a young age. He attended Mass daily, frequently went further to adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and made his relationship with God the cornerstone of his life. One of his most famous quotes, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven,” perfectly captures the depth of his devotion. His ability to remain grounded in faith, even amidst the distractions of the world, speaks volumes about his commitment to God. Carlo's life teaches us that being faithful doesn’t mean retreating from the world; instead, it means engaging with it from a place of love, kindness, and unwavering conviction. 

A model for the modern youth 

In our fast-paced digital era, it can be sometimes felt that faith is a bit out of reach for the young people who are constantly surrounded by screens. However, Carlo’s life shines as a brilliant example of blending faith with technology. He was a pioneer in harnessing modern tools—like the internet and social media—for the purpose of evangelization. Carlo viewed technology not as a hurdle to faith, but as a dynamic way to spread hope, share knowledge, and connect with others. For today’s youth, who often find themselves juggling between peer pressure, the lure of instant gratification, and the relentless buzz of the digital landscape, Carlo’s life offers a refreshing viewpoint. It’s not about turning away from the world or the latest trends; it’s about engaging with them in ways that foster love, kindness, and spiritual growth. Carlo’s knack for striking this balance—living as a teenager in the 21st century while staying deeply rooted in his Catholic faith—reminds us that we can fully embrace the modern world without sacrificing our values. 

The Messenger of Hope 

Carlo Acutis stands as a powerful reminder that holiness is attainable for every young person, no matter their age or background. His life illustrates the truth that genuine fulfillment doesn’t stem from worldly accomplishments, but from a life grounded in faith, love, and service to others. Carlo didn’t wait until he was older to make an impact; he committed himself to embodying his Christian values every single day. In doing so, he demonstrated to young people that holiness isn’t some distant, unreachable dream—it’s something real, tangible, and available to anyone willing to embrace it. In a world that often prioritizes the chase for temporary pleasures, Carlo’s life presents a different vision of success. His example encourages young people to look past fleeting moments of satisfaction and discover true fulfillment in their relationship with God and in serving others. His message is one of enduring joy—a joy that is found in walking the path of faith and love. 

Conclusion 

Carlo Acutis stands out as a remarkable role model for today’s youth. His journey, marked by simplicity, devotion, and a creative approach to using technology to share the Gospel, serves as a contemporary example of living a holy life in our fast-paced world. He sends a powerful message to young people: holiness isn’t just for the saints of old; it’s within reach for anyone ready to embrace their faith with sincerity, enthusiasm, and dedication. Carlo’s life teaches us that even if our time on earth is brief, a life filled with love for God and others can leave a lasting legacy. His story is one of hope, encouraging young individuals to walk in his footsteps and uncover their true purpose in Christ. In Carlo Acutis, today’s youth find a guide on how to express their faith amid modern challenges and how to channel their skills and passions—be it in technology, art, or any other field—into something meaningful that fosters deeper faith. Carlo’s life reminds us that holiness isn’t just a distant goal; it’s something we can pursue right now, and it is achievable by anyone willing to choose a path of love, service, and connection with God.

 

 

 
By Fr Ajay Nelson D'Silva SJ
Fr Ajay Nelson D'Silva SJ is a retreat preacher and administrator of Fatima Retreat House, Jeppu.
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Comment on this article

  • HENRY MISQUITH, INDIA

    Sun, Apr 27 2025

    Carlo Acutis left us a profound message at a young age. He became not only a great role model for the youth but also a source of inspiration to follow the path shown by God. We all pray that he soon becomes a saint and blesses all our young generation.


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