Today, October 12, is the memorial of Blessed Carlo Acutis.
Carlo was born on May 3, 1991 in London to parents Andrea and Antonia Acutis. A few months later, due to work, the family settled in Milan.
As a young child, Carlo prayed the Rosary a lot and made the Eucharist the center of his life. When he made his First Communion, he became a regular Mass-goer. In fact, whenever there was a Mass, he would make an effort to be there. He would practically drag his family, relatives and parents, to Mass daily. He also observed Holy Hours and went to confession weekly.
In school, Carlo defended schoolmates, especially the disabled kids, from bullies. He was genuinely interested in people. When he learned a friend’s parents were divorcing, he became that friend’s support system.
He was notably computer-savvy. He documented Eucharistic miracles around the world and created a website for this purpose: http://www.miracolieucaristici.org/
Carlo was just like any ordinary teenager: he played soccer and videogames. He very much enjoyed Pokemon and Playstation 2. He wanted to play more, but he imposed himself to play for one hour a week. That was his form of penance and spiritual discipline.
In 2006, he had M3 fulminant leukemia and offered his pain and suffering for the intentions of Pope Benedict XVI and for the Universal Church. He died on October 12, 2006 at 6:45AM.
Pope Francis confirmed his heroic virtues in 2018, which earned him the title “Venerable.” He was beatified last Saturday, October 10, 2020.