Verghese V Joseph –
In a significant development in the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has officially recognised a second miracle attributed to the late Italian teenager Carlo Acutis, paving the way for his canonization and making him the first millennial saint. Acutis, a devout Catholic known for his digital evangelism and profound religious devotion, has captured the attention of many for his exemplary life and dedication to spreading the Catholic faith through modern means.
During the audience granted to His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro on Thursday, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the Supreme Pontiff authorised the same dicastery to promulgate the decrees regarding:
- the miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis, Lay Faithful; born on 3 May 1991 in London (England) and died on 12 October 2006 in Monza (Italy);
-
the miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Giuseppe Allamano, Founding Priest of the Institute of the Consolata Missions; born in Castelnuovo Don Bosco (Italy) on 21 January 1851 and died in Turin (Italy) on 16 February 1926;
-
the miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Servant of God Giovanni Merlini, Priest and Moderator General of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood; born in Spoleto (Italy) on 28 August 1795 and died in Rome (Italy) on 12 January 1873;
-
the martyrdom of the Servant of God Stanislaus Kostka Streich, diocesan priest; born on 27 August 1902 in Bydgoszcz (Poland) and killed out of hatred for the faith on 27 February 1938 in Luboń (Poland);
-
the martyrdom of the Servant of God Maria Maddalena Bódi, Faithful Laywoman; born on 8 August 1921 in Szgliget (Hungary) and killed out of hatred for the faith on 23 March 1945 in Litér (Hungary);
-
the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Guglielmo Gattiani (born: Oscar), professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin; born on 11 November 1914 in Badi, a hamlet of the municipality of Castel di Casio (Bologna) and died in Faenza (Italy) on 15 December 1999;
-
the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Ismaele Molinero Novillo, known as Ismael de Tomelloso , Faithful Layman; born on 1 May 1917 in Tomelloso (Spain) and died in Zaragoza (Spain) on 5 May 1938;
-
the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Enrico Medi, Faithful Layman; born on 26 April 1911 in Porto Recanati (Italy) and died in Rome (Italy) on 26 May 1974.
Furthermore, the Supreme Pontiff approved the favourable votes of the Ordinary Session of the Cardinal Fathers and Bishops for the canonization of the Blessed Emanuele Ruiz and 7 Companions, of the Order of Friars Minor, and Francis, Abdel Mooti and Raffaele Massabki, Lay Faithful, killed in hatred of the Faith in Damascus (Syria) between 9 and 10 July 1860, and decided to convene a Consistory, which will also concern the canonization of the Blesseds Giuseppe Allamano, Marie-Léonie Paradis, Elena Guerra and Carlo Acutis.
Carlo Acutis: A Beacon of Holiness in the Digital Age
Carlo Acutis, born on May 3, 1991, to Italian parents, demonstrated a remarkable religious fervor from a young age. His early inclination towards the sacred and his deep admiration for St. Francis of Assisi set the foundation for his spiritual journey. Acutis’ legacy is intertwined with his passion for evangelization through the internet, where he utilized his computer skills to create a website documenting Eucharistic miracles, emphasizing the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Path to Sainthood: Recognition of Miracles
The road to sainthood for Carlo Acutis began with the acknowledgment of his first miracle, which led to his beatification in 2020. The recent recognition of a second miracle, involving the healing of a young Costa Rican woman with a severe brain injury, has now paved the way for his canonization. Miracles attributed to Acutis’ intercession exemplify the belief in his sanctity and the power of prayer.
Vatican’s Approval and Canonization Process
The Vatican, under the leadership of Pope Francis and Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, has played a pivotal role in the approval of Acutis’ miracles and the subsequent steps towards his canonization. The canonization process typically involves rigorous scrutiny of reported miracles, with the requirement of two miracles for an individual to be declared a saint. Acutis’ canonization signifies a modern example of sanctity in the 21st century, inspiring many with his joyful witness to holiness in the digital era.
Global Impact and Recognition
Carlo Acutis’ influence extends beyond his native Italy, with his recognition as the patron of last year’s World Youth Day in Lisbon highlighting his global significance. His dedication to prioritizing prayer and the sacraments over technology resonates with many, especially the youth, who see him as a model of holiness. Acutis’ beatification ceremony, attended by thousands, and the ongoing reverence at his tomb in Assisi underscore the profound impact of his life and teachings.
The impending canonization of Carlo Acutis marks a historic moment in the Catholic Church, as he is set to become the first millennial saint. His journey from a young tech-savvy teenager to a beacon of holiness serves as an inspiration to believers worldwide, emphasizing the timeless values of faith, devotion, and service. As the Catholic faithful await the official canonization ceremony, Carlo Acutis’ legacy continues to shine brightly, offering a contemporary example of sanctity and spiritual dedication in the digital age.