Carlo Acutis Canonised — A New Model of Holiness for Young Catholics
On Sunday, 7th September 2025, the Holy Universal Catholic Church has canonised Carlo Acutis (3 May 1991 – 12 October 2006). Declared a saint in St. Peter’s Square, Carlo, an Italian teenager who used his skill with computers to document Eucharistic devotion, is a striking and timely model of Christian holiness for children and young people. At St. Aloysius Primary School we celebrate this joyful news and reflect on what Carlo’s life can teach our pupils alongside the witness of our patron, St. Aloysius Gonzaga.
Who was Carlo Acutis?
Short Biography
Carlo Acutis was born in London and raised in Italy.
Thoughtful, devout and approachable, he loved the Eucharist, practised small acts of charity, and had a natural gift for computers and web design. Using those skills he created an online catalogue of reported Eucharistic miracles so that others could learn about the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Carlo died in 2006 at the age of 15.
Since then his quiet holiness, generosity and modern witness have inspired people around the world.
What his canonisation means for young Catholics:
- Holiness at every age
Like our patron St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Carlo shows that children and teenagers can live heroic virtue now, not just later in life. - Faith and contemporary life
Carlo’s example proves faith and modern life need not be opposed; digital tools can be used to spread goodness and truth. - Concrete devotion
His deep love for the Eucharist invites us to renewed reverence in school liturgies, classroom prayers and family devotions. - Practical charity
Carlo’s everyday acts of service are accessible lessons for pupils: holiness often looks like small kindnesses repeated over time.
Suggested short school & home prayer:
Saint Carlo Acutis, faithful friend of Jesus and lover of the Eucharist,
help us to use our gifts for others, to be kind online and offline,
and to grow closer to Jesus every day. Amen.
“We rejoice with the whole Church in Carlo’s canonisation. His life—brief but full of faith—speaks directly to our pupils: holiness grows from small daily choices made in love. As we continue to honour our patron, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, we welcome Saint Carlo Acutis as a modern companion on the path of virtue.”
— Headteacher, St. Aloysius Primary School
Questions & Answers:
Q: Why are we celebrating Carlo alongside St. Aloysius?
A: Both saints are young role models. St. Aloysius shows youth holiness in the context of service, while Carlo shows how modern gifts (like technology) can be used in the service of faith.
Q: Will this change school religious education?
A: No major changes to the curriculum are planned. Carlo’s story will simply provide an additional contemporary example to inspire pupils during regular RE lessons and prayer times.
Q: How can families support the teaching at home?
A: Read a short biography together; discuss one small act of kindness to try each day; talk about using devices kindly and responsibly.
Reflection:
Carlo Acutis’ canonisation is a gift to young Catholics everywhere. He reminds us that holiness can be ordinary and contemporary: found in small generosity, reverence for the Eucharist, and the wise use of talents. At St. Aloysius Primary School we give thanks and pray that our pupils will be inspired to live their faith with courage, simplicity and joy, at school, at home, and in the digital world.
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