A new documentary is set to release, focusing on Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Church's first millennial saint. The film aims to highlight Acutis's life and his devotion to the Eucharist, and his use of technology to spread the Gospel. The documentary includes interviews with people who knew Acutis. The goal is to inspire viewers by showcasing his example of faith and the message that holiness is attainable for everyone.
3 months ago
The Augustine Institute is set to release "The Boy from Milan," a documentary about Carlo Acutis, as part of its "Based on a True Saint" series on Formed 1. The documentary, launching on April 2, 2025, aims to provide a deeper understanding of the Church’s first millennial saint 1. It seeks to illustrate how an ordinary teenager can achieve holiness through a deep love for God and others 1.
The film features interviews with individuals who knew Acutis personally, including his mother, Antonia Salzano Acutis, his high school religion teacher, Fabrizio Zaggia, and his pediatric oncologist, Dr. Mercedes Arguello 1. Emily Mentock, the executive producer, stated that the documentary aims to explore the path to holiness, inspired by Acutis's life 1. Mentock believes Acutis's relevance and relatability give people hope that holiness is attainable today 1.
Mentock admires Acutis's love for life and his dedication to practicing the teachings of Jesus 1. The documentary highlights the profound impact Acutis had on those around him, including his oncologist, who found strength in his testimony during her own cancer diagnosis 1. Mentock hopes the film inspires viewers, especially young people, to live boldly for the Lord and make a difference in the world 1. EWTN has also released a documentary on Acutis titled "I Am With You" 1.
The Church defines universal call to holiness.
The Augustine Institute's upcoming documentary, "The Boy from Milan," about Blessed Carlo Acutis, highlights the Church's teaching on the universal call to holiness, particularly for young people. The documentary aims to show that holiness is attainable for everyone, regardless of their background or age .
Carlo Acutis, known as the Church’s first millennial saint, exemplifies how ordinary individuals can achieve holiness through a deep love for God and others . The documentary features interviews with people who knew Acutis, including his mother, high school religion teacher, and oncologist, providing insights into his life and faith . Emily Mentock, the executive producer, emphasizes Acutis's relatability, giving hope that holiness is possible today . Pope John Paul II stated that all members of the Church are called to holiness, regardless of their rank or status .
Acutis's life demonstrates that holiness is not limited to extraordinary actions but can be found in everyday activities . His dedication to practicing the teachings of Jesus and his profound impact on others, including his oncologist, showcase this . Pope Francis reminds us that holiness is often found in "everyday" people who witness Christian virtues in their lives . The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that all Christians are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity .
The documentary hopes to inspire viewers, especially young people, to live boldly for the Lord and make a difference in the world . Acutis's example encourages embracing the Beatitudes, meditating on the Word of God, participating in the sacraments, and practicing love and service to others . The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms that all faithful are called to holiness, which is achieved through union with Christ and the Holy Trinity .
"The Boy from Milan" serves as a timely reminder of the universal call to holiness, presenting Carlo Acutis as a relatable and inspiring figure for contemporary audiences. By showcasing Acutis's life, the documentary reinforces the Church's teaching that holiness is not an exclusive pursuit but a vocation for all, achievable through faith, love, and service in everyday life .