Blessed Carlo Acutis and the Eucharistic Miracles

In the rich history of the Catholic Church, saints and blessed individuals have always played a vital role in leading the faithful to deeper encounters with Christ. One of the most inspiring figures of the modern era is Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young Italian boy whose profound love for the Eucharist and his devotion to spreading awareness of Eucharistic miracles have left an enduring legacy. Blessed Carlo is a powerful example of how modern technology and deep faith can work together to glorify God and lead others to experience the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

In this article, we will explore the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, his devotion to the Eucharist, his passion for documenting Eucharistic miracles, and how his witness can inspire us to deepen our own relationship with the Eucharist.

The Life of Blessed Carlo Acutis

Blessed Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to Italian parents and was raised in Milan, Italy. From a young age, Carlo displayed a deep love for God, particularly in his devotion to the Eucharist. Unlike many of his peers who were absorbed in the distractions of modern life, Carlo was drawn to prayer, the sacraments, and a profound desire to live a holy life. He attended daily Mass, regularly prayed the Rosary, and spent time in Eucharistic Adoration, where he would sit in the presence of Jesus, simply to be close to Him.

Carlo’s mother, Antonia, has often said that although she was a lukewarm Catholic before Carlo’s birth, her son’s intense love for the faith helped rekindle her own devotion. Carlo’s life serves as a reminder that sanctity is not only for the elderly or religious but for young people in today’s world as well. Despite his love for video games, soccer, and computers, Carlo centered his life on Christ and lived out his faith in a radical way.

In 2006, at the young age of 15, Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia. During his illness, he offered his sufferings for the pope and the Church. On October 12, 2006, Carlo passed away, but his legacy was only beginning to take root. On October 10, 2020, Pope Francis officially beatified Carlo Acutis, recognizing him as a model for today’s youth and an intercessor for those seeking to grow in devotion to the Eucharist.

Blessed Carlo’s Love for the Eucharist

At the center of Carlo’s life was the Eucharist, which he famously referred to as his “highway to heaven.” He firmly believed in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist— the Catholic teaching that in the consecrated host, Jesus Christ is truly present, body, blood, soul, and divinity. For Carlo, the Eucharist was not just a symbol or a ritual, but a living encounter with Jesus, the source of grace and strength for his daily life.

Carlo once said,

“The more we receive the Eucharist, the more we will become like Jesus, so that on this earth we will have a foretaste of heaven.”

He understood that the Eucharist was the key to growing in holiness and becoming more united with Christ. His frequent reception of the Eucharist, his time spent in Eucharistic Adoration, and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of the sacrament were the hallmarks of his spiritual life.

Blessed Carlo’s devotion to the Eucharist is a powerful reminder to all Catholics of the importance of this central sacrament in our faith. In a world that often overlooks the sacred, Carlo’s example challenges us to rediscover the awe and reverence that the Eucharist deserves.

Carlo Acutis and the Eucharistic Miracles

One of the most extraordinary aspects of Carlo’s short life was his passion for documenting and promoting Eucharistic miracles—supernatural events that have occurred throughout history in connection with the Eucharist. Eucharistic miracles often involve the host manifesting physical changes, such as turning into human flesh or blood, or exhibiting other miraculous signs that point to the Real Presence of Christ.

Carlo was fascinated by these miracles and saw them as powerful testimonies to the truth of the Eucharist. At the age of 11, he began working on a project to compile information about documented Eucharistic miracles from around the world.

Using his computer skills, Carlo created a website that cataloged these miracles, complete with historical details and scientific studies:

His goal was simple: to help others grow in their faith and to remind the world that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.

His website, which is still available today, features over 100 Eucharistic miracles from countries such as Italy, France, Poland, and Mexico. Each miracle is meticulously documented, offering visitors the chance to explore these powerful events that have strengthened the faith of countless believers throughout the centuries.

Famous Eucharistic Miracles

Some of the most famous Eucharistic miracles featured on Carlo’s site include:

• The Miracle of Lanciano (Italy, 8th century): In this miracle, a consecrated host turned into human flesh and blood during Mass. Scientific studies conducted in the 1970s revealed that the flesh and blood were from human tissue and were of blood type AB—the same blood type found on the Shroud of Turin.
• The Miracle of Santarém (Portugal, 13th century): A consecrated host bled after being stolen by a woman who intended to use it for superstitious purposes. The host was later returned to the church, where it continued to bleed.
• The Miracle of Buenos Aires (Argentina, 1996): A consecrated host, which had been dropped and placed in water to dissolve, began to turn into visible flesh. Studies conducted by scientists revealed that the flesh was from a human heart and that it showed signs of intense suffering.

By promoting these miracles, Carlo hoped to reignite a love for the Eucharist in the hearts of the faithful. He believed that these miracles were a clear sign of Jesus’ presence among us, calling us to deeper faith and devotion. His work on Eucharistic miracles has inspired countless people around the world to take a closer look at their own belief in the Real Presence and to approach the Eucharist with greater reverence and love.

The Eucharist: A Source of Holiness for All

Blessed Carlo’s life and his devotion to Eucharistic miracles offer a profound lesson for Catholics today. In a world that often values material success, pleasure, and convenience above all else, Carlo reminds us that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found in Christ, particularly through the gift of the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of the Catholic faith because it is the sacrament in which Jesus gives Himself to us completely. It is a mystery of love, where Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is made present, and we are invited to receive His body and blood as nourishment for our souls. Through the Eucharist, we are united with Christ in an intimate way, and we receive the grace to live out our Christian vocation in the world.

Carlo’s deep understanding of the Eucharist, even at a young age, is a powerful testament to the transformative power of this sacrament. By making the Eucharist the center of his life, Carlo was able to grow in holiness, to offer his sufferings for the Church, and to leave behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire Catholics around the world.

What We Can Learn from Blessed Carlo

There are many lessons that Catholics can learn from Blessed Carlo Acutis, particularly in regard to the Eucharist and its importance in our lives:

1. Make the Eucharist the Center of Your Life: Like Carlo, we are called to make the Eucharist the “highway to heaven.” Attending Mass regularly, spending time in Eucharistic Adoration, and approaching the sacrament with faith and reverence are ways we can deepen our relationship with Christ.
2. Share the Faith: Carlo used his talents to spread awareness of the Eucharist and Eucharistic miracles. We, too, are called to use our gifts and talents to share the faith with others, whether through personal conversations, writing, or digital media.
3. Embrace Holiness in Everyday Life: Carlo’s life shows us that holiness is possible, even in the ordinary moments of life. Whether playing soccer, spending time with friends, or working on his computer, Carlo lived with a constant awareness of God’s presence. We are invited to do the same, recognizing that every moment is an opportunity to grow in holiness and love.
4. Trust in God’s Plan: Despite his illness, Carlo offered his sufferings for the Church and trusted in God’s plan for his life. In times of difficulty or uncertainty, we can look to Carlo’s example and trust that God is with us, guiding us through every challenge.

A New Milestone for Blessed Carlo Acutis

On May 2024, Pope Francis recognized a miracle attributed to Blessed Carlo Acutis, moving him a step closer to canonization. Carlo Acutis, known for his devotion to the Eucharist and his efforts in documenting Eucharistic miracles, was beatified in 2020 after a previous miracle was attributed to his intercession. This latest recognition reflects the global impact of his life and legacy, especially among young people.

Carlo Acutis’ canonization process continues to inspire Catholics worldwide, as his example of holiness, rooted in everyday faith and technology, resonates deeply with modern believers. His dedication to Eucharistic devotion remains a powerful testament to his love for Christ, and his legacy as a digital evangelist grows stronger with time. With this new miracle, the Church continues to acknowledge his extraordinary life, bringing hope for his eventual sainthood.

For more information on the Pope’s recent decree and the miracle attributed to Carlo Acutis, you can read the full announcement from Vatican News here.

Conclusion: A Modern Saint

Blessed Carlo Acutis’s devotion to the Eucharist and his work documenting Eucharistic miracles have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church. His life is a reminder that the Eucharist is not just a symbol but the living presence of Jesus Christ, offered to us out of love. By following Carlo’s example and making the Eucharist the center of our lives, we can grow in holiness, deepen our faith, and become powerful witnesses to the Real Presence of Christ in the world.

As we look to Blessed Carlo for inspiration, let us renew our own devotion to the Eucharist and strive to share the beauty of this sacrament with those around us. Through the intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis, may we grow ever closer to Christ, our Eucharistic Lord, and live lives of holiness, love, and faithfulness.

Go Deeper: Watch the EWTN Documentary

Additionally, if you’re looking for a more in-depth documentary, the EWTN Original Documentary titled “I Am with You“ delves into Carlo’s life, featuring interviews with his family and those who knew him. This documentary highlights his profound love for the Eucharist and his legacy, particularly his work cataloging Eucharistic miracles. It’s available on EWTN’s National Eucharistic Revival website, along with other resources​.