"The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven" - Carlo Acutis

 

Carlo Acutis was born in 1991, part of the millennial generation. He was born to wealthy parents, who were not religious, yet he from an early age, he exhibited a keen interest in adoration for the Eucharist, how fitting is it that in this time of Eucharistic revival, we call to mind the life of a remarkable young man.

Beatified in October 2020, he was notable for his profound faith and devotion to the Eucharist. Although he passed away at the age of 15 due to leukemia, his impact on Catholic spirituality, particularly regarding the veneration of the Eucharist, has been immense. Carlo is often described as a young person who managed to harmonize faith with modern life seamlessly. He was an avid computer programmer, but what set him apart was how he utilized his tech-savvy skills for spiritual enrichment. One of his most remarkable achievements was cataloging all the Eucharistic miracles around the world in a website. His devotion to the Eucharist was such that he would often say, "The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven," indicating his belief in the Eucharist as the pivotal element of his spiritual journey.

Carlo's dedication to the Eucharist was not only in cataloging miracles but also in practicing Eucharistic adoration. From a young age, he developed the habit of attending daily Mass and spending time in Eucharistic adoration. Adoration involves sitting or kneeling in front of the Eucharist, typically displayed in a monstrance, and engaging in prayer, contemplation, study, or silent worship. Think of it as spending time with Our Father. It is a devotional exercise that allows the faithful to experience a deeper sense of communion with God. For Carlo, it was an essential component of his daily life, and he credited it with bringing him closer to God.

Eucharistic adoration allowed Carlo to integrate his spiritual life into his everyday activities seamlessly. It was a sanctuary of contemplation where he drew the strength and inspiration that fueled his other endeavors. This spiritual practice is highly recommended for fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, present in the Eucharist. Carlo often emphasized the importance of Eucharistic adoration to his peers and family, suggesting that it held transformative power for those willing to commit time to it.

Carlo's engagement with the internet stands as a notable aspect of his legacy. He was keenly aware of the reach and impact that digital platforms could have, especially among young people. He used his programming skills to create a website that documented Eucharistic miracles around the world. This was a groundbreaking endeavor, bringing together theology, history, and modern technology in a way that made complex and sometimes abstract aspects of faith accessible to people of all ages.

Carlo's website serves as a lasting repository that chronicles occurrences where the Eucharist was reported to have turned into real flesh and blood, often substantiated by scientific investigations. By bringing these miracles into the digital sphere, he effectively reached an audience that might not otherwise engage with such topics. It was a way to evangelize and bear witness to the faith without imposing it, aligning with the Church's call for a "New Evangelization" that adapts timeless truths to the current cultural landscape.

Carlo's devotion to the Eucharist was multifaceted, characterized by both personal adoration and public evangelization. His habit of Eucharistic adoration symbolized his personal communion with God, while his digital endeavors aimed to share the miracles and mysteries of the Eucharist with a broader audience. His life serves as a compelling example of how traditional practices like Eucharistic adoration can be integrated into modern lives, and how the internet can be leveraged to disseminate age-old truths to a new generation.

There’s a lot we can gain from examining the life of this young man. Spending time in adoration this so beneficial to our soul. With all the noise and complexities of daily life, it gives us a brief respite and allows us to hone in on those voices, that stir our soul. I especially appreciate how Carlo integrated his daily life into Eucharistic adoration. He certainly had talents, and did not squander them away as so many of us. Instead of using his as a computer programmer to create evermore distractions, he put them towards good..

By the way, Carlo wished to be buried in Assisi.  When he was exhumed, his body was found to be incorruptible. It looks like he just fell asleep. 

Carlo Acutis, pray for us.