The first millenial saint

By Jennifer Miele
Chief Development and Stewardship Officer 

ROME – Josie Cribbs, the youngest member of the Diocese of Greensburg’s Jubilee Year pilgrimage, carried not only the Jubilee Cross through the Holy Doors of Saint Peter’s Basilica, but also the hopes of her generation. Her visit to the resting place of Blessed Carlo Acutis in Assisi became a moment of transformation for her and for the many young people she will now inspire.

“He did small things with great conviction for Christ,” Josie, 17, reflected. “He used the birthday money that his grandparents gave him to buy sleeping bags for the poor. If this teenager could become a saint, why can’t I?”

Blessed Carlo, who will be canonized as Saint Carlo Acutis on April 27, died in 2006 from leukemia at the age of 15. In his final days, he offered his suffering for the Church and for Pope Benedict XVI. Known for his deep Eucharistic devotion and his use of media to spread the Gospel, Carlo is regarded as the future patron saint of the internet.

“Carlo Acutis was born in London, but his grandmother was from Assisi, so he was in Assisi during Christmastime and Eastertime,” said Begonia Sanchez, an Assisi travel guide. “He was in love with Assisi and with our saints, Francis and Clare, who were both devoted to the poor. When he was dying, he told his mother he wanted to be buried in Assisi.”

Pilgrims prayed before Carlo’s relics and heard testimonies of miracles attributed to his intercession, among them, the healing of a young Costa Rican woman who had suffered a traumatic brain injury and miraculously recovered after her mother prayed at Carlo’s tomb in Assisi.

“His holiness resonates with the youth,” said Bishop Larry J. Kulick. “Carlo wore jeans and sneakers; he looked like kids today. His soul was on fire for God. His life reminds us that sainthood is not distant; it is accessible.”