The Joyful Announcement: Blessed Carlo Acutis to be Canonized in 2025

The Joyful Announcement: Blessed Carlo Acutis to be Canonized in 2025

The Catholic world is abuzz with excitement following the recent announcement by Pope Francis that Blessed Carlo Acutis will be canonized in 2025. This momentous occasion will take place during the Church's Jubilee of Teenagers, from April 25 to 27, with the canonization Mass scheduled for Sunday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m. local time in St. Peter's Square. This announcement has brought immense joy and anticipation to Catholics worldwide, especially young people who look up to Carlo as a modern-day role model of faith and holiness.

Who is Blessed Carlo Acutis?

Carlo Acutis, born in 1991, was an Italian teenager known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and his remarkable use of technology to spread the Catholic faith. He passed away at the young age of 15 in 2006 due to leukemia, but his legacy continues to inspire millions. Carlo's life was marked by his love for Jesus, his dedication to attending daily Mass, and his efforts to document and share Eucharistic miracles through a website he created.

Carlo's beatification took place on October 10, 2020, in Assisi, Italy, where his body is now enshrined. He is often referred to as the "first millennial saint" and "God's influencer" due to his innovative use of digital media to evangelize and his profound impact on young Catholics.

The Canonization Announcement

Pope Francis made the surprise announcement during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square on November 20, 2024, coinciding with World Children's Day. The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that Carlo Acutis' canonization would occur during the Jubilee of Teenagers, a significant event dedicated to young people. This celebration is expected to draw thousands of young Catholics to Rome, eager to witness the canonization of a peer who exemplified living a holy life in the modern world.

Carlo's Legacy and Impact

Carlo Acutis' life and legacy continue to resonate deeply with people of all ages, but especially with the youth. His passion for the Eucharist, his commitment to daily Mass, and his innovative use of technology to share his faith have made him a relatable and inspiring figure. Carlo's famous quote, "The Eucharist is my highway to heaven," encapsulates his profound love for Jesus and his belief in the transformative power of the Eucharist.

Carlo's influence extends beyond his digital evangelization. His life story has inspired numerous schools, ministries, and parish initiatives named in his honor. His beatification and upcoming canonization have sparked a renewed interest in the Eucharist and a deeper commitment to living out the Catholic faith among young people.

A Celebration of Youth and Holiness

The canonization of Carlo Acutis during the Jubilee of Teenagers is a fitting tribute to his life and legacy. It serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for holiness in everyday life and the importance of using one's talents and passions to glorify God. Carlo's canonization will undoubtedly inspire countless young people to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus and to live out their faith with enthusiasm and joy.

As we eagerly await this historic event, let us reflect on Carlo's example and strive to emulate his love for the Eucharist, his dedication to prayer, and his innovative spirit in sharing the Gospel. Blessed Carlo Acutis, soon to be Saint Carlo Acutis, pray for us!

For more details on the announcement and Carlo Acutis' life, you can read the full articles on [Catholic News Agency](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260581/carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-to-be-canonized-in-2025-pope-francis-announces-dates) and [National Catholic Register](https://www.ncregister.com/cna/pope-francis-announces-2025-canonizations-for-carlo-acutis-pier-giorgio-frassati-during-jubilee-celebrations).

UPDATE: Due to the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, the canonization for Blessed Carlo Acutis has been postponed. Vatican announces canonization of Blessed Acutis is postponed | National Catholic Reporter

UPDATE: June 13, 2025  Blessed Carlo Acutis will be canonized on September 7, 2025 by Pope Leo XIV

Carlo Acutis: Canonization of first millennial saint to take place on September 7 | CNN

Carlo Acutis will be canonized as the first millennial saint in September, pope says | PBS News

First millennial saint Carlo Acutis will be canonized Sept. 7, the pope says

Blessed Carlo Acutis: A Teenage Beacon of Modern Holiness

Blessed Carlo Acutis: A Teenage Beacon of Modern Holiness

In a world where the digital age seems to overshadow the importance of faith, the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis stands as a testament to the harmony that can exist between technology and spirituality. Born in London in 1991 and growing up in Milan, Carlo was a normal teenager with a profound love for God, the Church, and the marvels of the internet. His story is a compelling narrative that teaches us the power of integrating faith into our daily lives, regardless of our age or interests.

Carlo's journey was not just about his exceptional intellect or his passion for computer programming; it was about how he used his talents to serve a greater purpose. From a young age, he participated in daily Mass, developed a deep love for the Eucharist, and held a special devotion to the Virgin Mary. His saying, "The Eucharist is the highway to heaven," reflects his understanding of the central role of faith in navigating the journey of life.

What makes Carlo's story resonate with so many is his relatability. He was a teenager who enjoyed video games, yet he was mindful of their addictive nature and disciplined himself to play for only an hour a week. He was a friend to all, standing up against bullies and showing compassion to those in need. His life exemplifies that holiness is not about renouncing the world but about embracing it with a heart full of love and devotion.

Carlo's legacy is particularly significant for the youth of today. He showed that one can be tech-savvy and spiritually devout, that the internet can be a tool for evangelization and spreading awareness of miracles, as he did through his website documenting Eucharistic miracles. His approach to life challenges the misconception that faith is outdated or irrelevant in the modern world. Instead, he proves that faith can be lived out passionately and joyfully, intersecting with our interests and daily activities.

As we reflect on the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, we are reminded of the universal call to holiness. He serves as a model for young people, encouraging them to pursue their passions while keeping their faith at the forefront. His life teaches us that sanctity is accessible, that everyday moments are opportunities for grace, and that we, too, can walk the path of holiness, guided by our love for the Eucharist and Mary, just as Carlo did.

Carlo's beatification process, a step towards canonization, has inspired many, highlighting that sainthood is not reserved for the distant past but is an attainable reality for the contemporary individual. His story is a powerful reminder that we can all strive to be saints in the digital age, using the tools and platforms at our disposal to spread love, faith, and devotion.

In conclusion, Blessed Carlo Acutis teaches us that being a normal teenager and a beacon of faith are not mutually exclusive. His life encourages us to look beyond the screen and see the potential for holiness in our everyday lives. May his example continue to inspire us to live out our faith with enthusiasm and authenticity in this modern world.

Another Shooting at St. Louis

New civil unrest is developing in St. Louis, Missouri after an off-duty police offer fired his gun 17 times at a teenager who allegedly fired at him. This news comes just months from the shooting incident involving Officer Darren Wilson who shot and killed Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri bring about riots.  Details are still coming in so I will update this post as I learn more.  The police department did tweet this:

Officer working secondary in the 4100 blk of Shaw attempted a pedestrian check when suspect fled on foot. Officer pursued suspect.
— St. Louis, MO Police (@SLMPD) October 9, 2014

Suspect turned & fired at officer. Fearing for his safety, officer returned fire striking the suspect, fatally wounding him.
— St. Louis, MO Police (@SLMPD) October 9, 2014

Source:
http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/08/us/st-louis-officer-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-dead-after-officer-involved-shooting-in-south-st-louis/

http://fox2now.com/2014/10/08/fatal-officer-involved-shooting-in-south-st-louis/

Teen, Oral Sex & Jesus

LOVE INC OF BEDFORD COUNTY VIA FACEBOOK

Sometimes you think you have heard it all, but guess again...

A disturbed Pennsylvania teen is facing possibly two years in juvenile jail for desecrating a sacred object.  The 14 year old jumped upon a statue of Jesus praying at Gethsemane outside the headquarters of the "Love in the Name of Christ" Christian organization and began making sexual motions simulating oral sex with the statue.

Yes, you read that right.  This kid climbed on the statue of Jesus, put his crotch bulge over the face and started rocking back and forth as if the statue were performing oral sex on him.  A friend of this teen took photos and posted them on Facebook where the photos went viral eventually leading to the police being contacted. The teen was arrested and charged with the desecration of a venerated object.

Unfortunately, many on the Huffington post and other news outlets are voicing outrage over the possible jail time the teen may receive. They are excusing it as a "prank" or "boys will be boys" thing.  Seriously?  This kid is obviously mentally disturbed.  Antisocial behavior is one of the signs of mental illness. This was no prank or a "boy being a boy." What boy will be performing oral sex on a statue or anyone else?  This is not a "boy" thing. This goes to show how warped our society has gotten. They do not realize that this is a desecration of a venerated object and is religious hate. Imagine if we start calling Swastikas painted on Jewish homes or Temples "pranks" or a case of "boys being boys."  I seriously doubt they will not call it this and will say it is hate.

The fact that this boy, only 14 is simulating sexual acts shows how desensitized our youth have become.  Sex is presented to them via music, video games, movies, shows, the internet, sex ed etc. Then we wonder why teen pregnancy is an issue, kids are raping and molesting one another, the cases of teachers having sex with kids is rising, etc etc etc. Our society is becoming immoral and if we do not do something fast, it will only get worse.

In my opinion, this teen should be sentenced for the 2 years so he can learn his lesson and be an example to any other teens or adults out there who may be thinking of doing this as well.  If the kid gets off free, then this will encourage others to do the same or worse. The law must set an example that religious hate and the desecration of a venerated object must not be tolerated.

Ironically, this statue is a depiction of Jesus praying at the Garden of Gethsemane where He cried tears of blood because of the reality that He was about to suffer for the sins of humanity.





Source:



http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/11/oral-sex-jesus-statue-photo_n_5805174.html

http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2014/09/pennsylvania-teenager-hump-oral-sex-jesus-statue-prison

http://www.mediaite.com/online/teen-faces-2-years-in-jail-for-mimicking-oral-sex-with-jesus-statue/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/clay-calvert/religious-crimes-and-free_b_5819120.html

http://www.mtv.com/news/1930380/teen-jesus-statue-oral-sex-jail/

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/teen-faces-jail-allegedly-photo-simulating-oral-sex-statue-jesus-article-1.1937418

http://www.newsweek.com/christianity-under-attack-teen-faces-jail-lewd-pose-jesus-statue-270120