As we prepare for the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis on April 27, let us unite in prayer. Matt, the Archdiocese of Brisbane’s web developer, invites you to join him in reflection and prayer. Inspired by Carlo’s remarkable legacy, who created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles worldwide, may we too harness technology to spread the Gospel, illuminating the digital world with faith and hope. Let us pray that his legacy inspires us to use innovation as a tool for spreading the Gospel and doing God’s work in the digital age.
Transcript
Hi, I’m Matt and I’ve been working as the web developer for the Archdiocese of Brisbane for nineteen years now. Today, we draw our inspiration from Blessed Carlo Acutis, the computer genius who loved playing video games and is set to become the Church’s first millennial Saint. Carlo was born in 1991 and died in 2006 at just fifteen years old. From a young age, Carlo had a profound relationship with the Blessed Sacrament which he called his “highway to heaven”. He attended daily Mass, spent time in Eucharistic Adoration and inspired others to grow in their faith. He firmly believed in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and dedicated his life to promoting this truth. Carlo’s love of Christ guided his selfless kindness toward others. Despite his young age, he was compassionate and mature. He was keenly aware of others’ suffering and went out of his way to offer comfort, companionship and kindness. At just eleven years old, he started a project to catalogue all the Eucharistic miracles of the world. Carlo taught himself the coding and technology skills required to publish his work online by building a virtual museum. Carlo’s mother described this project as “planting a seed with this exposition on Eucharistic miracles to help the world believe”. Carlo’s innovative use of technology embodies his selfless and deep faith. His work helps theological truths become accessible to anyone with an internet connection in the hope that it will bring others closer to God. Please take a moment to join me in prayer.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, You gifted Blessed Carlo Acutis with a brilliant mind, a deep care for others and a heart set on You. He used his talents in technology to spread the beauty of the Eucharist and inspire faith in countless others. Help us to follow his example, using the tools of our time to share Your love, truth, and mercy. May we, like Carlo, see technology as a means to evangelise, bringing light to the digital world. We pray also for the leaders of technology platforms. Inspire them to use their influence for good, promoting truth, unity, and the dignity of all people. Guide them to create spaces that uplift humanity and reflect Your love. Bless our efforts to spread the Gospel online and guide us to use our gifts wisely for Your glory as we take inspiration from Carlo’s dedication to You. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.