Carlo Acutis, known for his devotion to the Eucharist, is about to become the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. His canonization will occur on April 27 in St. Peter's Square during the Church's Jubilee for Teenagers. A novena to Acutis, starting April 18, encourages prayers and meditations. The novena includes an opening prayer and daily reflections focusing on different aspects of Acutis' life and faith. Catholics can participate by reciting specific prayers.
19 days ago
Blessed Carlo Acutis, known for his love for the Eucharist and computer skills, is set to become the Catholic Church's first millennial saint 1 2. He will be canonized on April 27 during the Church’s Jubilee for Teenagers in St. Peter’s Square 1 2.
Catholics can participate in the official novena to Carlo Acutis from April 18 to April 27, the day of his canonization 1 2. The novena includes an opening prayer, daily meditations, and the recitation of five Our Fathers, five Hail Marys, and five Glory Bes to thank God for the graces bestowed upon Acutis 1 2. The opening prayer asks God, through the merits of Acutis, to grant the grace that the individual earnestly seeks 1 2. Each day of the novena focuses on a different quote or aspect of Carlo Acutis' life, with a corresponding prayer 1 2. The novena concludes each day with a prayer thanking God for raising Acutis to the glory of the altars 1 2.
Carlo Acutis' canonization is taking place during the Jubilee for Teenagers 1 2. This event highlights the Church's focus on young people and the relevance of Acutis' life as a model for them 2.
The novena to Carlo Acutis is also available on the EWTN Travel Jubilee app 1 2. The app can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store and Google Play store 1 2.
The Catholic Church views holiness as a universal call to all baptized individuals . It is rooted in Baptism and the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist . Holiness involves a life of prayer, participation in the sacramental life of the Church, and love of God and neighbor . It is about conforming to Christ by embracing the Beatitudes, listening to the Word of God, and practicing love and service, especially to the poor and suffering . Holiness is also understood as participation in the life of the Trinity, sustained by the Holy Spirit . The Church itself is holy because God is its author, Christ sanctified it, and the Holy Spirit gives it life . This holiness shines through the saints, with Mary as the most perfect example .
Canonization is a solemn process by which the Church declares that a deceased person lived a life of extraordinary holiness and is worthy of veneration . The process involves collecting accounts of the person's life, virtues, and miracles, which are then examined by the Holy See . If the evidence is sufficient, the Pope issues a Bull of Canonization, permitting and commanding public veneration of the saint . The Church recognizes that saints are those who put God at the center of their lives, seeking to extend His kingdom . They demonstrate total love for God and others, bearing fruit through their faith and commitment to loving as Christ loved .
Sainthood, as conferred through canonization, reflects the Church's understanding of holiness by recognizing individuals who have lived lives that exemplify Christian virtues and love for God and neighbor to an extraordinary degree . Saints serve as models and intercessors for the faithful . They are seen as having achieved a profound union with Christ through prayer, sacraments, and the practice of Gospel virtues . The canonization process ensures that only those who have demonstrated heroic virtue and a life of holiness are recognized as saints . This process underscores the Church's teaching that all are called to holiness and that sainthood is the ultimate fulfillment of this call .