Carlo Acutis, a teenager who passed away in 2006, has become the first-ever millennial saint.
Acutis, often called the “God’s influencer,” was known for his deep faith and innovative use of technology to spread Catholicism.
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Born in London and later moving to Italy, Acutis lived a life much like other teenagers, enjoying video games, basketball, and action movies.
But how did a 15-year-old become a saint?
In this episode of The Briefing, we spoke to Father Anthony Robbie of the Archdiocese of Sydney to find out what it takes to become a saint.
For Acutis, this journey began posthumously when two miracles were attributed to him, leading to his clearance for sainthood by Pope Francis.
The first miracle involved a 7-year-old Brazilian boy who recovered from a rare pancreatic disorder after coming into contact with one of Carlo’s t-shirts.
The second miracle was the remarkable recovery of a Costa Rican woman who had been in critical condition following a serious bicycle accident.
After a craniotomy to reduce pressure on her brain, she reportedly regained her breathing, use of limbs, and speech after a visit to Acutis’s grave.
She was in critical condition after the incident, but reportedly regained her breathing, use of limbs and speech after the grave visit.
“There are two aspects of this that a saint presents to the wider community. One is intercession, that is, they’re in heaven, and they’re praying for us,” Father Robie said.
“Two, imitation. It’s a good example for other people to follow,” he added.
He said it was “unusual” for a young person to be canonised.
“Simply because unless they’re a martyr… Usually, their lives haven’t had the opportunity to develop in such a way as to exhibit those qualities, which we call heroic virtue.”
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