Over the past year, the world has witnessed an incredible display of faith and devotion as more than a million pilgrims have paid homage to Carlo Acutis. This remarkable young man, who passed away at the young age of 15, has captured the hearts of people from all walks of life with his unwavering faith and dedication to God.
According to Rev. Domenico Sorrentino, the Bishop of Assisi, more than a million pilgrims have visited the tomb of Carlo Acutis in the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. This is a significant increase from the previous year, where around 350,000 pilgrims had paid their respects to this modern-day saint.
Carlo Acutis was born in London in 1991 to Italian parents and spent most of his life in Milan, Italy. From a young age, he showed a deep love for God and the Catholic faith. He was an avid computer programmer and used his skills to create a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles around the world. This website has since been viewed by millions of people and has been translated into multiple languages.
At the age of 11, Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia and underwent numerous treatments, all while maintaining his strong faith and positive attitude. He offered up his suffering for the Pope and the Church, showing his selflessness and devotion to God.
Carlo’s life was cut short when he passed away on October 12, 2006. However, his legacy and impact on the world continue to grow. In 2018, he was declared a Servant of God by the Catholic Church, the first step towards sainthood. And now, with over a million pilgrims visiting his tomb, it is evident that his influence and inspiration have reached far and wide.
The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, where Carlo’s tomb is located, has become a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the world. Many come seeking his intercession and praying for his beatification and eventual canonization. But more than that, they come to pay homage to a young man who lived a life of holiness and devotion to God, despite his short time on earth.
Carlo’s story has touched the hearts of people of all ages, especially the youth. His love for God and the Eucharist, his use of technology for spreading the faith, and his courage in the face of illness have made him a role model for young people. He has shown that holiness is not reserved for the old or the ordained, but it is attainable for anyone who truly loves and follows God.
The increase in pilgrims visiting Carlo’s tomb is a testament to the impact he continues to have on people’s lives. His story has spread through social media and word of mouth, inspiring many to deepen their faith and relationship with God. And as more people learn about him, it is expected that the number of pilgrims will only continue to grow.
Rev. Domenico Sorrentino, who oversees the Basilica of St. Francis, has expressed his joy and gratitude for the increasing number of pilgrims. He believes that Carlo’s life and example are a source of hope and inspiration for the Church and the world. He also hopes that Carlo’s beatification will happen soon, so that his message of faith and love can reach even more people.
In a world where young people are often portrayed as self-centered and disconnected from faith, Carlo Acutis stands out as a shining example of the opposite. His life and legacy continue to inspire people to live a life of holiness and to use their talents and skills for the glory of God.
As we reflect on the incredible number of pilgrims who have paid homage to Carlo Acutis in the past year, let us also remember his message of love, faith, and hope. Let us strive to follow in his footsteps and make a positive impact on the world, just as he did in his short but meaningful life.
