In his short life, St. Carlo Acutis (May 3, 1991-October 12, 2006) helped promote the Catholic faith on both a personal and worldwide level. He served as a catechist, helped bring people close to him to the faith, and created websites dedicated to Eucharistic Miracles, the Blessed Mother, and Angels/Demons.

St. Carlo was born in London to Italian parents. They moved back to Italy shortly after his birth. Although his parents were not religious, he received the Sacraments of Initiation and attended Catholic schools. The example of his faith helped bring his mother back to the practice of her own Catholic faith. At age twelve, he became a catechist at his parish. He had a deep devotion to the Eucharist, attending daily Mass and Adoration.

He was a gifted child, considered a genius by those who remember him. He could speak in full sentences at five months old and was using college-level textbooks at age nine to learn computer programming. He also enjoyed playing video games, although he limited himself to only one hour a week. Other activities he took part in included playing soccer and the saxophone.

He worked on creating websites promoting the Catholic faith for two and a half years prior to his death at age fifteen from leukemia on October 12, 2006. As he was dying, he offered his sufferings for the pope and the Church. He is considered a patron saint of the internet.

What Homeschoolers Can Learn from St. Carlo Acutis

St. Carlo Acutis is a modern saint that children and adults can relate to. He shows us the importance of devotion to our faith, especially the Eucharist. Being a parent, especially a homeschooling parent, is challenging. We need to remember to make time for God, to attend Mass and spend time in Adoration when we are able, and ask God for the help and direction we need to fulfill our vocation. Daily Mass may not be possible, but even attending one extra time a week in addition to Sunday can be a huge help. We can model love of the Mass and Eucharist for our children.

He is also a great role model for responsible use of technology. He enjoyed video games but did so in moderation. He used his computer skills for good, to help spread the Catholic faith. Following his example, we can use technology to help bring light to the world rather than darkness and teach our children to do the same. We can think critically about the amount of time we spend on screens and seek to use them in moderation. When we are trying to use technology and it isn’t working for whatever reason (such as when the printer just won’t print), St. Carlo is a great heavenly friend to ask for help.

As St. Carlo was a gifted child, he can also be a help to those who are homeschooling gifted children. We can ask him to guide us in cultivating our children’s unique gifts and providing them with the opportunities they need to thrive.

“The Eucharist is the highway to heaven.” – St. Carlo Acutis[1]

St. Carlo Acutis, pray for us.

[1]  “First Millenial Saint: 17 Inspiring Quotes from Soon-to-Be-Saint Carlo Acutis”, National Catholic Register, https://www.ncregister.com/blog/17-inspiring-quotes-from-carlo-acutis

Image source: Covent Garden, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Blessed Carlo Acutis shrine,

 Photo by Andy Scott, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia