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Picture a fourteen-year-old boy completely immersed in his work, sitting in front of a computer when suddenly it begins to smoke and catch fire. His mother runs into the room at the scent of smoke and quickly tries to aid her son. This doesn’t happen to him just once. He experiences this same issue four more times, each time buying a new computer, only for it to catch fire again (FN1 1:50). You might be asking yourself, what exactly was he working on? He was creating a website on Eucharistic miracles—driven by his deep faith and a desire to share God’s message with the world.
Perhaps you’ve heard of this extraordinary boy. His name is Carlo Acutis, a native of Italy. Tragically, he passed away in 2006 at the tender age of 15 due to cancer, but his legacy continues to inspire Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Recently, Pope Francis announced to the world that this humble Italian boy would become a saint after a series of miracles occurred which are attributed to Carlo’s intercession (FN2). In this article, we will reflect on his remarkable life and enduring legacy, focusing on the lessons we can draw from him to enrich our own journeys, whether in college, law school, or beyond.
Listen
Imagine you just found out you have 24 hours to live. Are there countless things you would have done differently? Often, as people face the end of life, they are plagued by regret. The common culprits for not achieving their potential are fear, despair, busyness, and not taking a moment to pause and listen.
Carlo, diagnosed with leukemia, faced his mortality with remarkable courage. When asked about his feelings on his impending death, he said he wasn’t afraid because he never wasted a minute of his life. He made every second count, aligning his actions with his purpose and God’s will.
Purpose-driven action involves consciously living in alignment with your core beliefs, values, and aspirations. It means actively seeking clarity on what truly matters to you and using that clarity to guide your decisions and actions. Instead of merely reacting to circumstances or following the expectations of others, purpose-driven action empowers you to proactively shape your life according to your authentic desires and goals. It’s about finding meaning in what you do, making choices that resonate with your innermost self, and striving to make a positive impact on others and the world around you.
When was the last time you took a moment to listen and consider what God asks of you? What qualities or skills do you possess, and why were you given them? Are you engaging in purpose-driven action?
Assessing yourself—your capabilities, aspirations, and true calling—is essential before drafting an action plan. An action plan is a strategic roadmap outlining specific steps and tasks to achieve a defined goal. It provides clarity, focus, and accountability, transforming intentions into tangible results. Now equipped with an understanding of purpose-driven action and the need for a plan, the next crucial step is to act.
The Good Doesn’t Come Easy
Reflecting on Carlo’s ordeal with his computers, his mother mentioned that it was the devil trying to stop him (FN1). The truth is, when you’re on the right path, challenges often intensify—they’re like hurdles moving closer as you run. Have you stumbled? Expect falls, but champions rise stronger each time. Those who persist through hurdles advance steadily, building virtues and resilience. Greater hurdles offer greater growth opportunities.
If this message doesn’t resonate because things come easy for you, it may be worth reflecting on whether you’re truly on the right path. Embracing challenges and overcoming obstacles are essential elements of the journey toward achieving meaningful goals and fostering personal growth.
Help Others
Carlo exemplified a profound commitment to supporting children facing adversity. He generously contributed to numerous charities and initiatives dedicated to children’s education, healthcare, and essential needs, both within Italy and abroad. Beyond financial support, Carlo actively volunteered at shelters, hospitals, and church. Loving your neighbor goes beyond mere acts of kindness; it encompasses a genuine concern for the well-being and dignity of every individual. True almsgiving involves sacrificing something for the sake of helping another (FN4 28:00).
Many people struggle with depression and feelings of hopelessness, yet they often underestimate the profound impact they can have by helping others. Finding meaning in supporting someone else’s journey can be transformative. For instance, if you fear public speaking, imagine using your voice to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. The strength gained from selflessly assisting others can outweigh personal challenges and provide a deep sense of purpose.
In today’s society, there’s a pervasive focus on individualism—”me,” “myself,” and “I.” This narrative often leads to self-centeredness rather than community-mindedness. By shifting our focus to others and extending a helping hand without expecting anything in return, we not only uplift those in need but also enrich our own lives.
Live Authentically
Living authentically encompasses honesty, integrity, self-awareness, consistency, and courage—a blend that defines a purpose-driven life. Carlo exemplified these qualities, saying, “To be always united with God, that is my life program” (FN3 6:45).
Carlo was passionate about technology and computers and used his skills to create a website documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world. He remained humble, kind, and focused on his mission. He treated everyone with respect, offered help to those in need, and never sought attention or praise for his actions. When faced with a terminal illness, leukemia, Carlo accepted his suffering with remarkable grace and faith, offering it up for the Pope and the Church (FN3 16:23). His acceptance and strength in the face of adversity demonstrated his deep authenticity and trust in God’s plan.
Living authentically is a goal worth striving for, and the earlier in life you embrace it, the better off you are. Regardless of your faith, aligning actions with beliefs, embracing unique talents, staying true despite challenges, and being humble and kind are essential values. These qualities are much needed in our society.
Another important point to reflect on is that living authentically shouldn’t mean being a different person at work; it’s not a switch you turn on and off. As you consider potential employers, really think about whether you can be yourself and live your values in that environment.
Not All Change is Bad, But if It Is, Take Action
Before Carlo created his website, there were no comprehensive online resources highlighting Eucharistic miracles from around the world. This knowledge would have been shared in person or relied on people knowing about individual miracles and searching for them online. Carlo seized the opportunity to use technology—a significant change at that time—to share this important message.
We live in an era where technology is rapidly changing and evolving, and it’s essential to adapt and find ways to leverage it in a positive way. Carlo likely recognized a cultural shift towards secularism and indifference to faith. Instead of passively observing this change, he spoke up by taking action. By creating a website documenting Eucharistic miracles, he provided a powerful counter-narrative, using technology to promote his faith.
Similarly, we can embrace positive changes and use them to uphold our values. However, if a change goes against your beliefs, it’s crucial to speak up. From Sam Smith’s controversial song “unholy” to Balenciaga ads promoting pedophilia and child sacrafice to Cosmopolitan magazine promoting satanic abortions through ads by an actual satanic abortion clinic, there are times when you must stand up and voice your objections.
I see the strength in you, so speak up even if your voice shakes. Recognize that when you don’t speak up or take action, you help to normalize whatever others want. Carlo’s example shows us that speaking up can often be done through thoughtful, impactful actions.
Strengthen Your Community
At Carlo’s funeral, many people showed up—people his family didn’t even know. They weren’t his blood relatives; they were individuals he had helped during his brief life (FN4 28:00). These people cared enough to attend his funeral and pray for him, showing the profound impact Carlo had on his community. There is immense power in helping your community and making a meaningful difference. It doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive—just being there for others with an open heart can make all the difference.
Consider taking steps such as volunteering your time at a soup kitchen or a local library. Websites like VolunteerMatch and Idealist are great resources to find opportunities. As Carlo’s mom put it – “love God and love your neighbor as yourself” (FN3 4:40). Carlo’s life reminds us that by strengthening our communities through acts of kindness, we can create lasting, positive change.
Seize Every Moment
Carlo lived his life with an awareness of the preciousness of every moment. Despite his young age, he understood the importance of making the most of the time he had. Carlo once said, “Our goal must be the infinite, not the finite. The infinite is our homeland. Heaven has been waiting for us forever.” He seized every opportunity to grow in faith, help others, and share his passions.
In college or law school, it’s easy to get caught up in the routine and lose sight of the bigger picture. But like Carlo, you can seize every moment by being fully present and proactive. Engage deeply with your studies, participate in meaningful extracurricular activities, and build genuine relationships. Don’t wait for the “right time” to make a difference—start now.
Here are some ways to seize every moment:
- Be Present: Focus on the task at hand, whether it’s studying, attending a lecture, or spending time with friends.
- Stay Curious: Always seek to learn and grow, both academically and personally.
- Take Initiative: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Create your own opportunities and take bold steps toward your goals.
- Give Back: Use your time and talents to help others, just as Carlo did. Volunteer, mentor, or simply be there for someone in need.
By seizing every moment, you can live a more fulfilling and impactful life, following Carlo’s inspiring example.
Checklist
Before concluding, here’s a practical checklist to help you incorporate lessons drawn from Carlo’s life into your own.
- Listen to God: Spend time in prayer and reflection to understand His guidance.
- Assess Yourself: Evaluate your skills, knowledge, and unique circumstances.
- Embrace Your Unique Talents: Recognize and develop your individual strengths.
- Discern Your Purpose: Focus on what you are meant to do rather than what you want.
- Align Your Actions: Ensure your actions are consistent with your purpose and God’s will for your life.
- Purpose-Driven Action: Take steps that are aligned with your mission and values.
- Action Plan: Create a clear, actionable plan to achieve your goals.
- Love Your Neighbor as Yourself: Act with kindness and compassion towards others.
- Exercise Discernment: Be thoughtful and wise when it comes to embracing change.
- Speak Up and Take Action: Stand up for your values and take action when needed.
- Seize the Moment: Make the most of every opportunity to grow and help others.
By following this checklist, you can integrate the powerful lessons from Carlo’s life into your own journey, making a meaningful impact and living authentically.
Conclusion
Carlo’s life offers a powerful example of faith, perseverance, and purpose-driven action. Despite his short life, Carlo left a lasting legacy through his deep commitment to God and his innovative use of technology to spread the message of Eucharistic miracles. His story inspires us to live authentically, embrace our unique talents, and seize every moment to make a positive impact.
As we reflect on Carlo’s journey, let us heed the lessons he imparted: to listen to God’s call, align our actions with our values, and stand up for what is right. Whether navigating college, law school, or any stage of life, Carlo’s example reminds us that each day is an opportunity to live with purpose and make a difference in the world around us.
Want to learn more about Carlo? Check out this brief video or this book.
Struggling with discerning your purpose? Try this novena.
Footnotes
FN 1- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3tWY6MpfT8&t=635s
FN 2- https://www.ncregister.com/interview/antonia-acutis-on-soon-to-be-saint-carlo-acutis
