Remember these individuals during Italian Heritage Month
Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991-2006) was an Italian computer programmer and the first millennial to be beatified by the Catholic Church:
Life
Born in London to Italian parents, Acutis was interested in Catholicism from a young age. He loved the Eucharist and attended daily mass after his first communion at age seven. He was also a gamer, soccer player, and enjoyed making home movies.
Devotion
Acutis’s devotion to the Eucharist was a core theme of his life. He called the Eucharist his “highway to heaven”. He also documented Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions on a website he designed.
Beatification
Acutis was beatified by Pope Francis on October 10, 2020. He is known as “the patron saint of the Internet” and “the first millennial saint”.
Canonization
Pope Francis granted approval in July 2024 for his canonization in 2025 after a second miracle was confirmed in May 2024.
Legacy
Acutis is seen as a model of holiness in a digital age. His life shows young people that sanctity is possible and that they can use technology to spread the Gospel.
************************************
Life
Born in Italy, Cabrini joined a religious order and began charitable work at an orphanage. In 1889, she came to the United States to minister to the growing Italian immigrant population.
Founding
Cabrini founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a religious institute that provided education, health care, and other services to the poor. She established 67 schools, orphanages, and hospitals, including Columbus Hospital in Chicago, where she lived and died.
Canonization
In 1946, Pope Pius XII canonized Cabrini as the first US citizen to become a saint. She is known as the Universal Patron Saint of Immigrants.
Legacy
The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to work worldwide as teachers, nurses, social workers, and more. The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini was built in 1955 to honor Cabrini’s life and accomplishments.