St. Carlo Acutis: Model of Prudence

Hello, friends!

My name is Carlo Acutis, and I want to tell you my story because I discovered that ordinary kids can become extraordinary saints when they put Jesus first.

Have You Ever Wondered What God Wants You to Do?

Maybe you enjoy sports, art, music, video games, or computers.

I certainly loved computers!

I enjoyed soccer, hiking, animals, and spending time with my friends. I even taught myself computer programming and used my talents to build websites.

But I learned something much more important than technology:

Every talent is a gift from God, and every gift should lead us closer to Him.

One of my favorite sayings was:

“Everyone is born an original, but many people die as photocopies.”

God made you unique. He doesn’t want you to copy everyone else. He wants you to become the person He created you to be.

Did I Ever Struggle?

Absolutely!

People sometimes think that because I loved Jesus, everything was easy.

It wasn’t.

Like many young people, I had to decide every day how I would spend my time.

Should I spend all my free time entertaining myself?

Or should I make time for prayer, helping others, and growing closer to God?

Have you ever struggled with that?

Have you ever thought:

“I’ll pray later.”

“One more video won’t hurt.”

“I’ll help tomorrow.”

I understand.

The hardest choices are often the little ones we make every day.

Holiness grows one good decision at a time.

The Greatest Treasure I Ever Found

When I was young, I discovered something that changed my life forever:

Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.

The more I received Holy Communion, the more I wanted to become like Jesus.

I often said,

“The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”

Imagine going on the greatest road trip ever.

Wouldn’t you want the best guide?

Jesus gave us Himself to strengthen us for the journey.

Whenever I could, I attended Mass, spent time in Eucharistic Adoration, prayed the Rosary, and went to Confession regularly.

These weren’t chores.

They were opportunities to spend time with my very best Friend.

What Does Holiness Look Like at School?

You don’t have to preach every day to be a disciple.

Sometimes holiness looks much simpler.

I tried to welcome classmates who felt lonely.

I defended students who were bullied.

I shared with people who had less than I did.

I was respectful toward my teachers.

I tried to smile because kindness opens hearts.

Holiness often begins with noticing the person everyone else overlooks.

Can Technology Help Us Love God?

I believe it can!

God gave us creativity and intelligence.

I loved designing websites and learning about computers, but I wanted technology to serve something greater than myself.

That’s why I created a website about Eucharistic miracles from around the world.

I hoped people would discover how much Jesus loves them.

Technology is a wonderful tool—but it should never become our master.

Ask yourself:

Does the way I use my phone, tablet, or computer bring me closer to God and others?

If the answer is yes, keep going.

If not, maybe it’s time to make a change.

When I Became Sick

When I was fifteen years old, I became very sick with leukemia.

The illness happened suddenly.

My family and friends prayed for me, but I knew my life was in God’s hands.

Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I offered my suffering to Jesus.

I prayed especially for the Pope and for the Church.

Even in pain, I trusted that God could bring good from every difficulty.

A few days later, on October 12, 2006, I went home to Heaven.

I was only fifteen years old.

Did My Story End There?

No.

People around the world were inspired by the way I lived an ordinary life with extraordinary love for Jesus.

Many began asking for my prayers.

After the Church carefully investigated my life and miracles attributed to my intercession, I was declared Blessed in 2020 and a Saint in 2026.

Today, young people across the world look to my example as a reminder that holiness is possible—even in the digital age.

But here’s the exciting part:

God isn’t asking you to become another Carlo Acutis.

He’s inviting you to become the saint He created you to be.

Questions You Might Ask Me

🤔 “Do I have to give up everything I enjoy to become holy?”

Not at all!

God gave you talents and interests for a reason.

The question isn’t whether you enjoy them.

The question is whether they help you love God and love others more.

🤔 “Can I use technology for good?”

Absolutely!

Use it to encourage others.

Learn new skills.

Share goodness.

Stay connected with people you love.

Most importantly, don’t let your screen replace time with Jesus.

🤔 “How can I become a saint right now?”

Start with simple choices.

Go to Mass.

Pray every day.

Help someone quietly.

Be kind online and offline.

Spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist whenever you can.

Little acts of love become a beautiful life of holiness.

This Month’s Virtue: Eucharistic Devotion

The closer we grow to Jesus, the more we become like Him.

When we spend time with Him in prayer and the Eucharist, He transforms our hearts one day at a time.

Before You Continue Your Voyage…

You live in an amazing time.

You can use technology to learn, create, communicate, and even share your faith.

But remember:

Your greatest achievement will never be how many followers you have.

It will be how faithfully you followed Jesus.

Don’t be afraid to be different.

Choose kindness when others choose cruelty.

Choose prayer when others choose distraction.

Choose generosity when others choose selfishness.

Choose Jesus every day.

He is waiting for you.

A Prayer for You

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for my young friend who is reading these words today. Fill their heart with the joy of knowing that they are deeply loved by You. Help them to use their gifts, talents, and even technology to bring light into the world. Give them the courage to choose what is good, the strength to turn away from sin, and a deep love for You in the Holy Eucharist.

When they feel lonely, remind them that You are always near. When they are tempted to follow the crowd, help them follow You instead. May they discover the beautiful plan You have for their life and become the unique saint You created them to be.

I ask all of this through Your loving Heart.

Amen.

I’ll be praying for you as you begin this month’s adventure.

See you on the journey!

Your friend in Christ,

Blessed Carlo Acutis