Carlo Acutis, a name synonymous with faith, technology, and youthful holiness, has captured the hearts of many around the world. This young Italian, who died at the age of 15, used his tech skills to spread devotion to the Eucharist and was beatified in 2020. His story is compelling, and various media outlets, including EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network), have played a significant role in bringing his life and message to a wider audience. Let's dive into the extraordinary life of Carlo Acutis, his connection with EWTN, and why his story continues to inspire millions.

Who Was Carlo Acutis?

Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London, but he spent most of his life in Milan, Italy. From a young age, Carlo showed a deep love for God and the Eucharist. Despite his parents not being particularly religious, Carlo developed a strong faith, nurtured by his own initiative and the influence of his Polish nanny. He made his First Communion at the age of seven and became a devout Catholic, attending Mass regularly and spending time in Eucharistic Adoration. What set Carlo apart was his ability to combine his faith with his passion for technology. He taught himself how to code and used his skills to create websites documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world. This project, which he started at the age of 11, became his most significant contribution, showcasing his unique way of evangelizing through the internet. Carlo believed that the internet could be used for good, to spread the Gospel and bring people closer to God. His website, which is still active today, is a testament to his vision and dedication. He saw the Eucharist as his "highway to heaven" and wanted to share this profound belief with as many people as possible. Carlo's life was marked by simplicity, charity, and a deep concern for others. He volunteered his time to help the poor and the marginalized, always putting the needs of others before his own. He was known for his kindness, his infectious smile, and his ability to connect with people of all ages. In October 2006, Carlo was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. He offered his suffering for the Pope and the Church. He died just a few days later, on October 12, 2006, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and technological innovation.

Carlo Acutis and EWTN

EWTN, the Eternal Word Television Network, has played a crucial role in spreading the story of Carlo Acutis to a global audience. As the largest religious media network in the world, EWTN is dedicated to promoting Catholic teachings and values through various platforms, including television, radio, and online media. EWTN's coverage of Carlo Acutis includes documentaries, news segments, and special programs that highlight his life, his faith, and his message. These productions often feature interviews with people who knew Carlo, as well as experts who can provide insights into his life and his significance within the Catholic Church. One of the key aspects of EWTN's coverage is its focus on Carlo's Eucharistic miracles website. By showcasing this project, EWTN helps to spread Carlo's message about the importance of the Eucharist in the lives of Catholics. The network also emphasizes Carlo's example of using technology for good, inspiring young people to use their own skills and talents to evangelize and share their faith online. In addition to its original programming, EWTN also features content produced by other organizations and individuals that focus on Carlo Acutis. This includes documentaries, testimonials, and educational materials that provide a comprehensive look at his life and legacy. EWTN's extensive reach ensures that Carlo's story is accessible to millions of people around the world, inspiring them to deepen their own faith and to live lives of holiness. The network's commitment to promoting Carlo Acutis reflects its broader mission of supporting the New Evangelization, which calls on Catholics to share their faith with others in new and creative ways.

The Significance of Carlo Acutis

Carlo Acutis is significant for several reasons, primarily because he serves as a relatable and contemporary example of holiness. In an age dominated by technology and digital communication, Carlo's use of the internet to spread the Gospel resonates deeply with young people. He demonstrates that technology can be a powerful tool for evangelization and that faith and technology are not mutually exclusive. His life challenges the notion that holiness is only attainable for those who lived in the distant past; he proves that young people today can also achieve sanctity. Carlo's devotion to the Eucharist is another key aspect of his significance. His belief that the Eucharist is the "highway to heaven" inspires others to deepen their own relationship with Jesus through the Eucharist. His Eucharistic miracles website has helped countless people to understand the importance of the Eucharist and to appreciate the profound mystery of Christ's presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Furthermore, Carlo's simple and charitable life serves as a model for all Christians. He lived his faith in practical ways, helping the poor, volunteering his time, and always putting the needs of others before his own. His example challenges us to live our faith more authentically and to make a positive difference in the world. Carlo's beatification in 2020 further solidified his significance within the Catholic Church. He is now recognized as a blessed, a step towards being declared a saint. His beatification has generated even more interest in his life and has inspired many people to learn more about him and to follow his example. He is seen as a patron saint of the internet, computer programmers, and young people, reflecting his unique combination of faith and technology. Ultimately, Carlo Acutis is significant because he embodies the call to holiness in the modern world. He shows us that it is possible to live a life of faith, love, and service, even in the midst of the challenges and distractions of contemporary society.

Miracles Attributed to Carlo Acutis

Like many saints and blessed individuals in the Catholic Church, miracles have been attributed to Carlo Acutis, which played a crucial role in his beatification. The recognition of a miracle is a rigorous process that involves thorough investigation and verification by Church authorities. The first miracle attributed to Carlo Acutis involved the healing of a Brazilian boy named Matheus, who was suffering from a rare congenital anatomical defect that made it difficult for him to eat. In 2010, Matheus and his family prayed for Carlo Acutis's intercession. On October 12, 2010, the same day as the anniversary of Carlo's death, Matheus was miraculously healed. He was able to eat solid foods without any difficulty, and medical examinations confirmed that his anatomical defect had disappeared. This healing was considered scientifically inexplicable and was officially recognized by the Church as a miracle attributed to Carlo Acutis. The recognition of this miracle paved the way for Carlo's beatification. During the beatification ceremony, a relic of Carlo Acutis was displayed, and thousands of people gathered to celebrate his life and his example of holiness. Another alleged miracle occurred in 2022, involving a Costa Rican woman. Liliana Valverde was diagnosed with a severe head trauma after falling off her bicycle in Florence, Italy. Doctors told her mother that her chance of survival was very low. The mother, prayed to Carlo Acutis every day. Days later, Valverde started to show signs of recovery, and started breathing on her own. It was later revealed that Pope Francis had confirmed a second miracle attributed to Acutis, paving way for his sainthood. The Vatican announced that Pope Francis would convene a consistory to discuss the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis. These miracles are seen as signs of God's grace and as confirmation of Carlo Acutis's holiness. They serve to inspire faith and to encourage people to turn to Carlo Acutis for intercession in their own lives. While the Church is cautious about attributing miracles to individuals, the evidence surrounding these cases was compelling enough to warrant recognition. These miracles further enhance Carlo Acutis's significance as a blessed individual and contribute to his growing popularity as a role model for young people and for all those seeking to live a life of faith and holiness. The stories of these miracles are often shared by EWTN and other Catholic media outlets, helping to spread awareness of Carlo Acutis and his message to a wider audience.

How to Incorporate Carlo Acutis's Teachings into Your Life

Incorporating the teachings and example of Carlo Acutis into your daily life can be a transformative experience, guiding you towards a deeper relationship with God and a more meaningful existence. One of the most important aspects of Carlo's life was his devotion to the Eucharist. Following his example, you can make an effort to attend Mass more regularly and to spend time in Eucharistic Adoration. This can help you to cultivate a greater awareness of Christ's presence in the Eucharist and to deepen your love for Him. Carlo also emphasized the importance of using technology for good. You can follow his example by using the internet and social media to share your faith with others and to promote positive values. This could involve sharing inspiring quotes, creating content that educates people about Catholic teachings, or simply using your online presence to spread kindness and positivity. Another key aspect of Carlo's life was his commitment to serving others. You can follow his example by volunteering your time to help the poor and the marginalized. This could involve working at a soup kitchen, visiting the elderly, or participating in other charitable activities. By putting the needs of others before your own, you can live out the Gospel message and make a positive difference in the world. Carlo also emphasized the importance of prayer. You can follow his example by making time for prayer each day, whether it's through traditional prayers like the Rosary or through personal conversations with God. Prayer can help you to stay connected to God and to discern His will for your life. In addition to these specific practices, you can also incorporate Carlo Acutis's teachings into your life by simply striving to live a life of virtue. This involves cultivating qualities like humility, honesty, and compassion, and striving to overcome your weaknesses and imperfections. By following Carlo Acutis's example, you can grow in holiness and become a more authentic witness to the Gospel. EWTN and other Catholic resources can provide further guidance and inspiration as you seek to incorporate Carlo's teachings into your life. Remember that the journey towards holiness is a lifelong process, and that even small steps can make a big difference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Carlo Acutis stands as a beacon of faith and innovation in the 21st century. His life, though brief, was filled with profound devotion to the Eucharist and a passion for using technology to spread the Gospel. EWTN's coverage of Carlo Acutis has amplified his message, reaching millions of people around the world and inspiring them to deepen their own faith. From his Eucharistic miracles website to his charitable acts, Carlo's example encourages us to live a life of holiness, integrating faith with our everyday actions. As we continue to learn about and reflect on his life, may we be inspired to follow in his footsteps, using our own talents and resources to make a positive impact on the world and to draw closer to God.