Always Be Close to Jesus

     “To always be close to Jesus, that is my life plan."             St. Carlo Acutis

      I was very excited and felt encouraged, that two young people from “our time” were being canonized on September 7, 2025: Carol Acutis and Giorgio Frassati – both Italian laymen. 

     Although I was familiar with both “Blesseds,” because of my great love for Jesus in the Eucharist, Carlo’s journey resonated more deeply with me.

     In mid-September, I received an unexpected invitation from my sisters Rachael and Rebecca to meet them at a local shrine, dedicated to the now, St. Carlo. Although I had already planned my day, I decided to go. It really was a win-win situation: visiting a shrine and spending time with my sisters. Two things I really enjoy!

     The shrine was laid out beautifully and chockful of information about Carlo. A Eucharistic chapel was part of the layout, along with his exhibition on Eucharistic miracles from around the world, his favorite saints, his life’s story, quotes from his journal and a first-class relic.

     We spent time with Jesus in the chapel and then explored the “informational” part of the shrine. We were amazed at all he had accomplished for God in such a short life span. 

     As we were exploring Carlo’s life, we heard a woman speaking in the outer room. She was talking about how the shrine came to be, and then the life of St. Carlo. After her presentation, she invited us to venerate the relic of Carlo and we did. We felt blessed and grateful for the opportunity to “meet” St. Carlo and share the experience together. 

     He had touched each of us in a particular way and we were ready to leave. But something inside of me was telling me to stay, so I hugged my sister’s goodbye, sat down and prayed. I was touched deeply within my soul and was trying to understand it. I sat in silence and then venerated the relic once again asking Carlo to reveal to me whatever it was that was happening within my soul.

     Nothing was apparent to me, so I decided to leave. As I drove home in silence, I continued to pray, asking for the vision to see just what God was trying to show me. 

     Little by little, I felt as though St. Carlo wanted a deeper relationship with me. I knew that in order for that to happen, I had to learn more about him and begin to speak to him in prayer.

     This is what I learned out about his life:

     He was born in London, England, on May 3, 1991. His parents, Antonia Salzano and Andrea Acutis, were there working at that time. He was baptized on May 18, at Our Lady of Dolours in Chelsea. His paternal grandfather, Carlo, and his maternal grandmother, Luana were his godparents. Later in September, Carlo and his parents returned to Milan. 

     His parents were not practicing their faith at the time he was born nor in his early childhood. A Polish woman named, Beata Sperczynska, became his nanny while he was very young. She introduced him to God, Our Lady and the saints, through her prayers and her holy cards.  She taught him his first prayer, Angel of God, and encouraged him to pray and speak to his guardian angel. Beata went to daily Mass and took Carlo with her. When they were out shopping or in the town, they would make little visits to Jesus to say “hi.” Beata had a profound influence on Carlo and it became clear to many that he developed a deep love for God.

     Carlo began to ask to receive Jesus in Holy Communion at a young age and made his First Communion on June 16, 1998 at the convent of Saint Ambrogio ad Nemus in Milan. 

     Up to the time of Carlo’s first Communion, his mother had only been in church a handful of times. Carlo began to ask deep questions about God and the Church, which she was unable to answer. This led her to taking a theology class to find out about her faith and she returned to her religious practice.

     Carlo became a catechist at age 12 at his home parish, Santa Maria Segreta, and was confirmed there on May 24, 2003. He took the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi. 

     At a young age, Carlo had a great interest in computer science and was self-taught. He volunteered his talents to create websites for both his parish and his high school, for which he received an award. 

     Carlo found out about Eucharistic miracles and because of his great love for Jesus, he decided to create both a website and an exhibition on the miracles throughout the world. He believed that if people could see scientific proof that Jesus was truly present in the Blessed Sacrament that they would begin to come back to practicing their faith and the Catholic Church. 

     He wanted to show people moments throughout history when the Eucharist visibly became flesh and blood. Carlo began documenting the Eucharistic miracles and he and his parents traveled throughout Europe so he could gather photographs of the miracles themselves. 

     It took them two and a half years, but it was finally finished! He had managed to catalogue all the Eucharistic miracles in world history! There were 136 in all. They were not only accessible on his website, but he also made panel presentations to be available to travel throughout the world! The website was unveiled on October 4, 2006, a few days before his death. 

     Carlo was passionate about spreading his faith and love for God, the Sacraments and the Catholic Church. He became known as “God’s Influencer,” and touched the lives of many. He was mindful of the poor and needy in his area. He stood up for the underdog. He often challenged young and old to become a saint. In fact, he came up with a saint’s kit on just how to do that for the children he taught catechism. 

     He wrote, “I want to tell you a few of my very special secrets which will help you quickly reach sainthood. Always remember that you, too, can become a saint! First, you have to want it with your whole heart, and if you do not have the desire yet, you must ask the Lord for it with insistence.”

      “Try and go to Mass every day and take Holy Communion. If you can, try to spend a few minutes in Eucharistic adoration before the tabernacle where Jesus is truly present. In this way, you’ll see how your level of holiness increases! Remember to recite the rosary every day. Read a passage from holy Scripture every day. If you can, confess every week, even venial sins. Make promises often to God and the Virgin Mary to help you to help others. Ask your guardian angel, who must become your best friend.”

     These were practices that Carlo was carrying out himself and encouraging young children, as well as adults, to do.

    The more I found out about him, the more connected I felt. I too had wanted to find ways to help others to love God. I was a big proponent for Eucharistic adoration in my parish and involved in faith formation and bible studies throughout my adult life. But I was nearing the end of my long life, unlike Carlo who was so young when he died. I felt overwhelmed with all he accomplished in his very short life. As I read about him, the thought crossed my mind if he was so motivated because he had a sense that he would not live a long life. His life’s focus was on bringing others to Christ, and many were converted or reverted to the Catholic faith, including his parents.

     He was known to have said, “Jesus is my great Friend.” “The Eucharist is the highway to heaven.” “When we face the sun we get tan, but when we stand before Jesus in the Eucharist, we become saints.” “It is very important to pray that Jesus Christ be loved and known by all people throughout the world.” “When you receive Communion: Jesus, have a seat! Make Yourself at home.” Carlo not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk…and invited so many to journey with him to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus!

     We are blessed that Carlo journaled because so very much is revealed about his life within in his writings. There was no indication that his time on earth was running out.

     On October 1, 2006 Carlo developed a sore throat. Although he was seen by doctors, the severity of his condition was not detected. Little by little his symptoms increased until it became apparent that they were dealing with something very serious. Carlo had acute leukemia!

     His condition worsened rapidly and these were the last words he spoke: “Mama, don’t be afraid. Since Jesus became a man, death has become the passage towards life, and we don’t need to flee it. Let us prepare ourselves to experience something extraordinary in eternal life.”

     Carlo fell into a coma on October 11 and was pronounced dead on October 12, 2006 at 6:45 p.m. 

     Carlo’s life on earth had ended, but his great legacy is and will continue to bring people to God. The call for his canonization began shortly after his death. His cause was opened on the sixth anniversary of his death in 2012. On May 13, 2013, it was determined there was nothing preventing the cause to move forward and was named a Servant of God. On July 5, 2018, his life was confirmed as one of heroic virtue, declaring him Venerable. 

     On October 10, 2020, a miracle was authenticated and Carlo was beatified, declaring him Blessed. On May 23, 2024 a second miracle was recognized by the Church and it was decided to canonize Carlo during the 2025 Jubilee. Due to the death of Pope Francis, the date was postponed to September 7 by newly elected Pope, Leo XIV. Carlo’s parents, siblings and many relatives and friends had the great privilege to attend his canonization. Young Carlo Acutis was now St. Carlo Acutis. He is not only an example for our youth, but for all of us!

          Carlo’s life plan was to be always close to Jesus. We too must adopt that plan and find ways to stay on the path to holiness. May we follow Carlo’s advice for becoming a saint and ask for his intercession in helping us achieve our goal. 

     Little did I know, the impact of saying yes to my sister’s invitation, would have on my life. I not only had a wonderful experience, but have made a new friend whom I will call upon to help me on my journey to God.

     St. Carlo’s feast day is October 12. He is the patron saint of the Internet. 

     Let us strive to bring ourselves as well as others to God…each of us, in our own particular way! St. Carlo Acutis, pray for us!

     “Our goal has to be the infinite, not the finite. The infinite is our homeland. Heaven has been waiting for us forever.”                                                    St. Carlo Acutis