Being young isn’t a curse, even though it seems that way sometimes. Teenage struggles are endless. For many, youth is a time of great confusion. I know. I was a teenager not long ago. So imagine how inspiring it is to hear that a teenager is on the path to sainthood.
Catholic News Agency reports that the Italian teenager, Carlo Acutis, who died of leukemia, at the age of 15 in 2006, will be beatified October 10 in Assisi, Italy this year 2020 (that is one day before my birthday, Hallelujah).
Perhaps what’s even more interesting is that the young boy was also tech savvy. He had designed a website for the promotion of adoration to the Holy Eucharist at the age of 14. His mother, Antonia Acutis, says that it was his son’s fervent devotion to the Holy Eucharist that brought her family back to the faith.
Till his death, Carlo dragged his family to mass daily, making sure they prayed the rosary as well. Carlo is such an inspiration to us all, especially me. It was said that the beatification ceremony was postponed till October because many young people all over the world are planning to attend. I wish I could be there live…
Anyway, reading his story, I tried imagining what I was doing at fourteen; certainly not spending hours before the Blessed Sacrament. In fact, I remember falling asleep each time my family prayed the rosary. I was always dragged to Mass… Phew!
We do need to see more young people on the path to sainthood. Our own Vivian Ogu remains an inspiration. Now Carlo. Please let’s get on the train. The way I see it, it’s never too late to aspire to sainthood.
© Oselumhense Anetor, 2020.
Image Credit, CNA
We thank God for the life of Carlo Acutis which has become an inspiration for the rest of us. His life reminds us that sainthood is still very possible for young people today. It is however also a known fact that not many teenagers and youths would look this way. Many prefer to look the other way for models. May Carlo Acutis’ example inspire many more teens and youths to burn with love for God. Amen.