Campo Grande is set to make history on April 27, 2025, as the city celebrates the canonization of Carlo Acutis, a young Italian known as the "patron saint of the internet." This momentous event will take place in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican during the Jubilee for Youth, marking not only a significant occasion for the Catholic Church but also a personal triumph for the community in Brazil.
Carlo Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at the tender age of 15 from leukemia, is being recognized for a life dedicated to faith and technology. He became renowned for creating a website that cataloged Eucharistic miracles, demonstrating how modern tools can be used to spread religious messages. His legacy resonates particularly with the youth, as he embodies the idea that holiness can be achieved in contemporary contexts.
The canonization is particularly poignant for the residents of Campo Grande, as it is rooted in a miracle that occurred there. In 2013, a boy named Matheus Lins Vianna, who was diagnosed with a rare condition called pancreas annular, experienced an inexplicable healing after touching a relic of Carlo Acutis. This miraculous event was officially recognized by the Vatican in 2020, paving the way for Carlo's beatification.
Matheus, now 15, has been living a quiet life under the care of his grandmother, Solange Maria do Prado Lins Vianna. She expressed her gratitude, stating, "Every day I thank God and Carlo Acutis for the immense grace. But I have taken care to maintain my humility in the face of the miracle. It is an experience that shows the world that it is possible to live holiness in today's times."
Carlo Acutis's story is one of inspiration for the younger generation. His life, though short, left a lasting impact, filled with joy and a deep love for the Eucharist. He was an enthusiastic evangelizer, using social media to reach out to his peers. Katharina Kalache, a 19-year-old student who participated in a camp celebrating Carlo, sees his canonization as a reaffirmation of youth faith: "He showed that it is possible to be a saint wearing jeans and a hoodie, living like any other teenager."
Gabriel Ortiz, the coordinator of the Youth Commission at the São Sebastião Parish, emphasized Carlo's influence, saying, "Carlo not only inspires young people through faith but also shows that it is possible to live a life of holiness even in youth."
The connection between Brazil and Carlo Acutis has been strengthened by the missionary efforts of Father Marcelo Tenório, who discovered Carlo's story in 2011 through an Italian article. He established a relationship with Carlo's family, particularly with his mother, Antonia. "Whenever I go to Assisi, we meet. We've created a bond that has further strengthened my commitment to evangelizing the youth," Father Tenório shared.
In Campo Grande, preparations for the canonization are in full swing, with a week-long celebration planned. The São Sebastião Parish will host special events, including masses and youth-oriented activities, starting on April 21. Father Tenório anticipates a turnout of around five thousand faithful, stating, "I believe that more than five thousand will come. Many devotees who frequent the chapel will come to see the relic and pray."
On the day of the canonization, the community will gather early in the morning to watch a live broadcast of the ceremony from the Vatican, beginning at 5:30 AM. Following the broadcast, a procession will take place from the Chapel of the Miracle to the Main Church, culminating in a Thanksgiving Mass and a closing lunch. The chapel, where the miracle occurred, will again serve as a center of prayer and gratitude.
Carlo Acutis's canonization is not only a celebration of his life but also a testimony to the power of faith and community. His story illustrates how a young person can touch the hearts of millions, even in a short life. As Campo Grande prepares to honor Carlo, the city will remember him as the saint who connected heaven to the internet and to their hearts.
In addition to the local celebrations, the canonization of Carlo Acutis is noteworthy on a global scale. He is poised to become the first millennial saint, a significant milestone for the Catholic Church. Born in the United Kingdom to an Italian family, Carlo moved to Milan shortly after his birth. His unique blend of faith and modernity makes him a relatable figure for today's youth.
The canonization process itself is rigorous. It typically begins five years after a person's death, with advocates gathering testimonies and documents to present to the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Carlo's dedication to the Church and his innovative use of technology to promote faith were pivotal in his journey toward sainthood.
In 2018, Carlo was declared venerable, and the recognition of two miracles attributed to him solidified his path to canonization. The first miracle involved Matheus Vianna, who was cured of his severe condition after touching Carlo's relic. The second miracle was recognized in 2024 when a young woman from Costa Rica fully recovered from a serious head injury after praying at Carlo's tomb.
As the canonization ceremony approaches, excitement builds not only in Campo Grande but also among the youth worldwide who see Carlo Acutis as a beacon of hope and a model of holiness. The Church's recognition of his life and miracles serves as a reminder that faith can thrive in the digital age, inspiring a new generation to pursue their spiritual journeys with zeal.
With the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the Catholic Church embraces a modern saint whose life story resonates deeply with young people navigating the complexities of today's world. The celebration in Campo Grande will be a heartfelt tribute to a boy who, despite his brief life, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
