The other day, my son said something that completely caught my attention:
"Did you know there's a teenager saint who played Super Mario and Pokémon?"
A saint… who played video games? Naturally, my curiosity was piqued.
In a world where it seems increasingly rare to find young people walking the path of holiness, discovering Blessed Carlo Acutis was like stumbling upon a hidden treasure. The more I read about his life, the more I was moved—not just by his deep devotion to the Eucharist, but also by how incredibly normal he seemed. A boy who played soccer, loved computers, and yet lived an extraordinary life of faith and grace.
Carlo died at the young age of 15 from leukemia. But in his short life, he left behind a legacy that continues to inspire. His love for the Eucharist was so profound that he referred to it as “my highway to heaven.” He attended Mass daily, prayed the rosary, and made Jesus the center of his life. What stood out even more was how he used what was available to him—his programming skills and the internet—to spread the Gospel.
He created a website cataloguing Eucharistic miracles around the world, making it accessible to his generation. That’s the first lesson I take from his life:
We can use our own skills, talents, and whatever tools we have to honor God. Whether it's through coding, creating, writing, or building clay figurines—each of us can participate in this mission.
Secondly, I find it so beautiful that Carlo was not a detached or distant saintly figure. He enjoyed things that kids today enjoy—video games, soccer, jokes, fun with friends. His holiness didn’t erase his personality; it enhanced it.
Following Christ doesn’t strip us of who we are—it makes us more fully ourselves. God doesn't ask us to become someone else to be holy. In fact, He works through our quirks, passions, and personalities.
And finally, there’s the powerful witness of redemptive suffering. When Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia, he accepted it with such grace. He offered his suffering for the Pope and for the Church.
That’s the third lesson I carry in my heart:
Even our suffering has meaning when offered in love. Our small sacrifices and prayers can become a channel of grace for someone else. Perhaps someone out there is receiving grace right now because of the little offerings I make each day.
As I reflect on the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, I look at the little clay figurine I made of him, and I am reminded of these three things:
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We can use our gifts—whatever they may be—to honor God.
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We do not lose our individuality in following Christ—in fact, God enhances it.
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Our suffering, united with Christ, can become a powerful intercession for others.
Blessed Carlo is proof that holiness is possible in any age, even in the digital world. His life bridges the gap between the sacred and the ordinary, reminding us that sainthood isn't about being perfect—it's about being available to God's grace.
May we be inspired by his life to live ours with the same joy, devotion, and purpose.
Blessed Carlo Acutis, pray for us.