Pope Francis announced the recognition of a miracle attributed to Bl. Carlo Acutis, paving the way for the Italian teenager’s canonization. Born in 1991, Acutis was a devout Catholic who created a website to document Eucharistic miracles. After his death in 2006, his website continued, and a miracle attributed to his intercession was approved in 2013. He was beatified in 2020, becoming the first millennial blessed in the Catholic Church. With the second recognized miracle, his canonization is imminent, and he will become the first millennial saint in the Church.
Acutis’ life serves as a contemporary example of sanctity in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of prayer and the sacraments. He was a daily Mass attendee from a young age and sought to spread awareness of Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist through Eucharistic miracles. Acutis’ use of technology and the internet to evangelize and share his faith is seen as an inspiration by many, especially in the 21st century. His joyful witness to holiness resonates with Catholics around the world, leading to widespread anticipation of his canonization.
The process of canonization in the Catholic Church recognizes individuals who have led exceptional lives of holiness. While the Church acknowledges all those in heaven as saints, canonization highlights those who have lived exemplary lives. This process typically begins five years after a person’s death and involves the Vatican reviewing the individual’s life and any miracles attributed to their intercession. Once a miracle is approved, the person is beatified, and a second miracle leads to canonization and sainthood.
The recent miracle attributed to Acutis involved the miraculous healing of a young woman from Costa Rica who suffered severe head trauma in a bike accident. Following a visit to Acutis’ tomb and prayers for his intercession, the girl experienced a rapid and unexplainable recovery. Doctors were not optimistic about her survival, but she made a remarkable turnaround and required only a week of rehabilitation. This miraculous healing has been recognized as the second miracle necessary for Acutis’ canonization, further solidifying his status as a saint in the Catholic Church.
The impact of Acutis’ life and legacy is felt by many, especially in today’s digital age. His use of technology to evangelize and share his faith reflects a unique approach to spreading the message of Christ. As a millennial saint, Acutis has inspired Catholics globally with his joyful witness to holiness and dedication to the Eucharist. His canonization is eagerly awaited, and his example serves as a reminder of the relevance of sanctity in the modern world. The world looks forward to celebrating the life and legacy of Bl. Carlo Acutis as a symbol of hope and faith.
The recognition of a miracle attributed to Bl. Carlo Acutis marks a significant milestone in the process of his canonization. The miraculous healing of a young woman from Costa Rica following a severe head injury showcases Acutis’ intercessory power and further confirms his status as a saint. As the first millennial saint in the Catholic Church, Acutis’ life and legacy continue to inspire believers of all ages, emphasizing the importance of prayer, sacraments, and evangelization in the modern world. His forthcoming canonization will be a momentous occasion of celebration, highlighting the enduring impact of his witness to holiness.
