St. Carlo Acutis: A Saint for the Digital Generation

On September 7, 2025, the Church formally declared Carlo Acutis a saint, elevating him alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati in a joyous celebration in St. Peter’s Square. As the first canonization of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, this moment drew attention not only to St. Carlo’s personal holiness, but also to the intersection of youth, technology, and evangelization in the modern age.

We now commemorate St. Carlo Acutis’ Feast Day on October 12, marking the anniversary of his death in 2006. On this date, Catholics around the world remember a young man who believed deeply in the Eucharist and used the tools of our time to draw others closer to Christ. Carlo’s life challenges the view that faith and technology are destined to be at odds. Instead, his witness shows how a digitally fluent generation can be a powerful force for the Gospel.

In an era when young people often feel alienated from institutional faith, St. Carlo’s example is deeply encouraging. He showed that passion, prayer, and pixels can coexist. He built a website, miracolieucaristici. org, documenting eucharistic miracles, so that curious minds around the world might see signs of God’s presence. He lived simply, gave alms, stood up for bullied peers, and saw suffering as a gift for the Church. In canonizing him, the Church affirms that sanctity is within reach of every generation.

As Catholics around the world celebrate his first feast day, may we also be inspired to harness the tools of our time to grow closer to God and more deeply engaged with our faith. In the spirit of St. Carlo Acutis:

• Constructive social media uses, such as sharing short reflections, quotes from the Bible or a favorite saint, or invitations to Adoration or prayer groups.
• Create or contribute to spreading the Gospel online, through a podcast, YouTube channel, or blog, by highlighting the lives of the saints, through a eucharistic devotion, or by sharing your personal Gospel witness.
• Use digital resources on your own or with your family to encounter Christ. Formed, Hallow, and the Laudate app are a few trusted options. Visit mgparish.org/cool-catholic-links for more.

St. Carlo shows us a path: a life rooted in the Eucharist, carried out in the digital realm, offered for souls. May his intercession guide more hearts—young and old alike—to courage, creativity, and holiness.