23rd Sunday of Year C 2025

On Sunday 7^th September 2025, Pope Leo XIV will declare London-born Carlo Acutis the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. Carlo, who died in 2006, is a saint for our times. Brilliant with computers, joyful in life, and yet always focused on God, he shows us what holiness can look like today.

Carlo’s story begins here in London, where he was born in 1991 and baptised soon after. From his earliest years he showed an unusual love for Jesus, especially in the Eucharist. He begged to make his First Holy Communion early, and afterwards went to Mass every day. “The Eucharist,” he said, “is my highway to heaven.” This was not just a phrase for him—it was the centre of his life.

He enjoyed football, music, superheroes and video games, but he never let them come before God. Given his first computer at nine, he quickly taught himself coding and design. Yet rather than chasing fame, he used his skills to build a website on Eucharistic miracles, so others could encounter Christ. In everything, he put God first.

Carlo was also known for his kindness. He helped classmates with homework, defended those who were bullied, and paid for strangers’ shopping when they fell short. His garage became a storehouse of clothes and supplies for the poor. He showed, in simple ways, that love of God must always lead to love of neighbour.

Scripture reminds us that following Christ is demanding. In Luke, Jesus says, “Whoever does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Carlo understood this. He sensed his life would be short, and when he was diagnosed with leukaemia, he accepted his cross with extraordinary faith. He offered his suffering for Jesus, for the Church, and for the Pope. “Mamma,” he said, “Golgotha is for everyone. No one escapes the cross.” He died aged fifteen, certain that death was the beginning of life with Christ.

Carlo’s witness speaks clearly to us today. He shows that holiness is not about withdrawing from the world, but about bringing Christ into every corner of it—our friendships, our work, our care for the poor, even our care for creation. For schools beginning a new academic year, he is a powerful model: a student who worked hard, shared his talents, supported his classmates, and above all kept his eyes fixed on God.

To honour Carlo is to follow his example: to put God first, to carry our crosses with faith, and to live with joy and generosity. In him we glimpse what it means to live for heaven while walking on earth.

by Fr. Thomas O'Brien