An avid video gamer and skilled in computer programming, Carlo is especially remembered for using his passion for technology to promote the Catholic faith, particularly his reverence for the Eucharist. Some have referred to him as “God’s influencer,” the “Patron Saint of the Internet,” or the “cyber-apostle of the Eucharist” due to his digital evangelization efforts. In addition to assisting with the development and updating of websites and communication tools for his parish and school, Carlo worked with his family to create an exhibition on Eucharistic miracles. Premiering in 2005 during the Year of the Eucharist, it has since been displayed at thousands of parishes across five continents.

Blessed Carlo referred to the Eucharist as “my highway to heaven,” and his devotion helped rekindle the faith of his own parents. He is known to have said, “People who place themselves before the sun get a tan; people who place themselves before the Eucharist become saints.” Carlo also cautioned his peers about the dangers and pitfalls of the online world, reminding them of the importance of mastering their will with God’s grace. In October 2006, Blessed Carlo died of an aggressive form of leukemia at the age of 15. Inspired by the words of Apple founder Steve Jobs, who said, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living the life of someone else,” Blessed Carlo took this to heart and used his brief time on earth to live and share his faith and serve as a model of holiness at a young age.

Almost exactly one year ago, I had the privilege of traveling to Europe with my wife to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Our daughter was studying in the Austrian Program through Franciscan University of Steubenville, so we flew to Austria to visit her before continuing on to Italy. As alumni of Franciscan University, we made sure to visit Assisi, where we had the opportunity to pray at Santa Maria Maggiore, the church where Blessed Carlo Acutis’ body is laid to rest. (Incidentally, while Carlo’s body is in Santa Maria Maggiore, there is a relic of his heart in the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi.) This was a particularly meaningful stop for us, as our eldest son, a graduate of the University of Michigan, now works as a computer science engineer in cybersecurity. During our visit, we prayed for him through the intercession of Blessed Carlo, as well as for the rest of our children.

Members of Generation Z, those born after 1997 and considered “digital natives,” have grown up in a world surrounded by computer technology. For these young people, and for all of us, Blessed Carlo serves as a powerful witness and model of how to use technology wisely and effectively — particularly in spreading the Gospel message. Be inspired by this young saint and share his story with the young people in your life, encouraging them to be “God’s influencers,” too!