Because so many well-known saints lived long ago and in faraway places, it can sometimes be tempting to think of them as somehow superhuman. These holy men and women are not like us, we might believe, and their lives of holiness have little to do with the challenges we face in the world today.
But this is a dangerous thing to believe. Sainthood is for everyone; we are all called to be saints. And that is why I love the story of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who was born in 1991, died in 2006, and was beatified in 2020. I marveled at a newspaper photo I saw of Carlo’s mother posing in front of his tomb which was open for public veneration in the days leading up to his beatification. Here was a saint who was current news!
Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, England, to devout Catholic parents. His family soon moved to Milan, Italy, where Carlo spent most of his life. From an early age, Carlo exhibited an extraordinary devotion to the Eucharist and a profound love for the Virgin Mary. He attended Mass daily and had a deep understanding of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, which he referred to as “my highway to heaven.”
In addition to his strong faith, Carlo had a keen interest in technology and computer programming. He used his skills to create a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles from around the world, a testament to his desire to share his faith with the world.
Despite his remarkable piety, though, Carlo was an ordinary teenager in many ways. He enjoyed playing soccer, listening to music, and spending time with friends. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 15. Throughout his illness, Carlo remained remarkably resilient, offering his suffering to God and drawing strength from the Eucharist. He died on October 12, 2006, at the age of 15. His life, though brief, left an indelible mark on those who knew him and countless others who have since learned about his story.
With his unique ability to bridge the gap between the sacred and the everyday, Carlo’s life resonates with the timeless message of faith and devotion exemplified by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. These two figures, though separated by time and culture, are united in their unwavering faith and a deep love for the Church.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, born in 1774, lived in a vastly different time and place from Carlo Acutis. She was an American woman who experienced the challenges and hardships of her era. Despite their differences, the lives of Carlo and Elizabeth Seton are interconnected by their unwavering faith and their dedication to the Church.
Both Blessed Carlo Acutis and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton shared a profound love for the Eucharist.
For Carlo, the Eucharist was the center of his life and the source of his spiritual strength. He believed that the Eucharist was his “highway to heaven” and that it could lead others to Christ as well.
Elizabeth, too, had a deep devotion to the Eucharist. After her conversion to Catholicism, she received the sacrament with profound reverence and regularly attended Mass. After her first communion, Elizabeth wrote in her journal, “At last GOD IS MINE and I AM HIS.”
Carlo Acutis used his technical skills to create a website that cataloged Eucharistic miracles. In doing so, he reached a global audience, sharing the beauty and wonder of the Eucharist with countless others.
Similarly, St. Elizabeth Ann dedicated her life to educating and catechizing young people. Her commitment to spreading the Catholic faith through education paved the way for countless others to come to know Christ.
Both Carlo and Elizabeth faced significant challenges and suffering in their lives.
Carlo’s battle with leukemia was a source of immense physical and emotional pain, yet he embraced it with faith and offered his suffering to God.
Elizabeth suffered the loss of her husband and faced financial hardship. Through it all, her faith remained unshaken, and she trusted in God’s providence. The examples of these two saints remind us that faith can sustain us, even in the darkest of times.
As we navigate our own challenges today, we can draw inspiration from these two saints and strive to live our faith with the same zeal and dedication.
In a world increasingly dominated by technology, Blessed Carlo Acutis shows us that we can use modern tools for the greater glory of God, while Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton reminds us that faith, education, and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.
Together, their lives teach us that holiness is attainable for all, regardless of the era in which we live. May their examples continue to inspire us as we seek to emulate their devotion and love for God and His Church.
DANIELLE BEAN is a writer and popular speaker on Catholic family life, parenting, marriage, and the spirituality of motherhood. She is the former publisher and editor-in-chief of Catholic Digest, and the author of several books for women including Momnipotent, You’re Worth It! and her newest book, You Are Enough. She is also creator and host of the Girlfriends podcast. Learn more at DanielleBean.com.
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