The Beatification of Carlo Acutis

The next time you see a Geek Squad vehicle in your neighborhood, you might want to say a prayer to Carlo Acutis.  This Saturday, 10/10/2020, he will unofficially become the "patron saint of computer geeks" when he is beatified in Assisi. 

To me, it sounds a lot better to call him a techie.  When he died at the age of 15, he was a long way off from completing any kind of degree in that field.  But he had an amazing aptitude with computers and is known for his categorization of Eucharistic Miracles and the design of a traveling exhibit.   

Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati shared a tremendous love for the Eucharist and are often mentioned in articles together.  Unlike Pier Giorgio, Carlo's canonization cause has definitely been on a super fast track.  His beatification this Saturday comes just two days shy of the 14th anniversary of his death in 2006. 

This week, a lot of attention has been given to the question of his incorruptibility because his body is on display for veneration.  Unlike the body of Blessed Frassati which was found to be perfectly incorrupt when his tomb was opened 56 years after his death, the body of Carlo Acutis seems to have been "integral" but "not intact."

Some people get hung up on these comparisons and some get very put off by the whole notion of opening coffins.  What matters the most in these cases is not the condition of their mortal remains but the example of holiness set for us during their lifetimes.  Both of these Blesseds clearly point the way to heaven by frequent reception of the Eucharist.  "If we get in front of the sun, we get suntans," Carlo said. "But when we get in front of Jesus in the Eucharist, we become saints."

The beatification of Carlo Acutis will take place in Assisi at 4:30 p.m. (10:30 a.m. EST.)  It will air on EWTN.  You should be able to livestream it on any device wherever you are.  At a time when so many Catholics young and old have lost their belief in the Real Presence, we celebrate the life of Carlo Acutis, welcome him to the ranks of the Blesseds and ask for his intercession for the Church and the world.  

Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us.

Verso l'alto!  ///cmw