“Carlo … utilized his skills and the resources of today’s world to draw individuals nearer to Christ, demonstrating that holiness can be achievable even in the digital era.”

Jim Wahlberg

“My personal path to faith was deeply impacted by experiencing genuine holiness in the least anticipated locations, such as coming across Mother Teresa “in prison,” he remarked. “It’s not solely about creating films. It’s about imparting the life-changing strength of God’s love and grace that I have personally felt. Through these narratives, we can motivate others to pursue and discover their faith, just like I did. Only God can transform our deepest failures and make them into something that honors him. And that’s the message I aim to express through my endeavors.”

The motion picture currently being made narrates the tale of a typical young person who did not aim to achieve remarkable feats.

An ordinary youth

Carlo came into the world in London on May 3, 1991, to Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano, who hailed from distinguished Italian families with thriving enterprises in the insurance sector and publishing. A few months afterwards, they relocated to Milan, Italy, where Carlo was looked after by nannies.

“His parents were not especially devout,” Moriarty mentioned. “They were somewhat casually Catholic.”

His mother stated that she recalled attending Mass solely for her first holy Communion, her confirmation, and her wedding. Carlo’s father, on the other hand, was said to have been more involved during his childhood.

Carlo’s beliefs were shaped by his schooling in Catholic institutions and summers spent with his maternal grandparents, where he would participate in Rosary prayers with the elder women at the local church. He held a deep affection for the Blessed Mother.

Salzano later described her son as advanced in numerous respects, from speaking early and swiftly mastering reading, to the inquiries he posed and the actions he undertook. He was recognized for being modest, gentle, and compassionate towards other kids, and for sharing his allowance with those in need. On occasion, he utilized his own funds to purchase sleeping bags and other essential items for them.

Moriarty remarked that when Carlo had his initial holy Communion in June of 1998, “He understood that he was meeting Christ. For the remainder of his life, he regarded that day as the most significant day of his life. Following that moment, he attended daily Mass and participated in Eucharistic adoration.”

Carlo’s profound affection for God motivated him to explore details about the Eucharist and the numerous accounts of Eucharistic miracles throughout the ages.

The remedy for digital technology

Technology allowed him to accomplish this, and he was endowed with his autodidactic computer abilities. He would subsequently be referred to as God’s influencer and the cyber-apostle of the Eucharist.

One aspect the movie explores is that, in spite of the difficulties posed by the Internet that can lead individuals into a maze of bewilderment and occasionally despair, Carlo maintained authority over his online activities. He allocated his screen time to search for details about the sacred topics that mattered to him. It is said that he restricted himself to just one hour each week for gaming.

“Carlo utilized technology as an instrument for spreading his message instead of permitting himself to be an instrument of the technology,” Moriarty remarked. “Therefore, regarding this road map, it conveys that indeed, we have to employ the technology that is accessible today, and yes, it impacts us, and we need to utilize it judiciously, in a way that is tethered to reality. We should resist the urge to be drawn into a chasm of contemporary technology, which leads to diversion and disconnection.”

Carlo gathered details on Eucharistic miracles, the events in which consecrated hosts visibly change into real blood and flesh or endure disasters. These instances must be recognized as “worthy of belief” by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome. They cannot be explained as natural incidents, such as fungal contamination causing a host to appear red.

Carlo discovered the narratives in repositories, within ecclesiastical records, on well-known and lesser-known websites, and he put them together in a database. They were hundreds of years old, similar to the occurrence in Krakow, Poland, in 1345 when a pilfered host was discovered shining. During the 1990s, there were three accounts of bleeding hosts in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

“Carlo utilized technology as a means for spreading the message rather than permitting himself to be an instrument of that technology.”

Tim Moriarty

“In Carlo’s existence, we observe several aspects,” Moriarty stated. “Primarily, he directs our attention to the Eucharist, which serves as a significant remedy against digital technology that seeks to distance us from our bodies, the physical realm, and our connections with the community. While technology can lead us to become sidetracked, the Eucharist allows God to become incarnate. We experience Christ, who took on flesh and blood in a specific time and place. We meet the genuine presence of Christ, which stands as the strongest remedy available to us in this era of distraction and detachment.”

Moriarty discovered through his studies that prior to the COVID pandemic, individuals aged 10 to 14 typically spent 3.8 hours on screens each day. Following COVID, that number soared to 7.7 hours daily.

“We mention this briefly in the film,” he remarked. “And this truly stands out to me. Then you observe how alarming the latest CDC data is regarding mental well-being, with 40% of Gen Z experiencing ongoing feelings of despair and sorrow. Furthermore, 18% had devised a suicide plan. This is a crisis. And this is where we want to uplift Carlo, particularly for this generation. They are genuinely in distress.”

Moriarty initially learned of Carlo when he was declared blessed. The first thing that caught his attention, he mentioned, was the realization that if Carlo were living today, he would be 34. He would be a saint suited for our era.

“Here’s a child who resembles many individuals you encounter nowadays,” he stated. “Then as you discover more about him, you realize that his entire existence was deeply committed to the Eucharist. There’s something quite modern about him, given his exceptional skills with technology and his grasp of computer programming. Yet, his entire life was directed towards the timeless faith in Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. There’s something remarkably notable about that.”

It was a narrative that needed to be shared.

A sacred existence and demise

C3 Foundation located in Beaumont, Texas, offered substantial assistance for the movie. The private foundation allocates its operating resources into income-generating accounts to create extra funds for philanthropic aims.

“The National Eucharistic Revival has additionally joined forces with Castletown after identifying the film as a significant addition to their goal of rekindling faith and reverence for the Blessed Sacrament, which was something Carlo Acutis held close to his heart,” Moriarty stated.

Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Crookston Diocese in Minnesota, the head of the National Eucharistic Revival, referred to Carlo as a contemporary apostle who has the ability to motivate youth to explore the remarkable blessing of the Eucharist.

“He demonstrates that a regular individual can experience Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist in a manner that changes their life,” he stated. “Carlo exemplifies the type of Eucharistic missionary we, as bishops, aspire for every Catholic to evolve into during the Eucharistic revival.”

In numerous respects, Carlo was an ordinary adolescent and youth. He liked playing soccer and video games, played the saxophone, and adored his pet cats and dogs.

He embraced his spiritual existence to the utmost, yet his mortal life was abruptly ended in October 2006 when he reported a sore throat, exhibited additional symptoms, and was identified with an aggressive type of leukemia. He ultimately found himself in intensive care, placed on a ventilator, and moved to a hospital close to Milan. The outlook was bleak.

“He illustrates that a typical individual can experience Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist in a manner that changes their existence. Carlo serves as a prime example of the type of Eucharistic missionary we, as bishops, aspire for every Catholic to evolve into during the Eucharistic revival.”

Bishop Andrew Cozzens

Despite his pain, he said to his mother: “Mom, don’t worry. Because Jesus took on human form, death has transformed into a doorway to life, and we need not evade it. Let’s get ready to encounter something remarkable in everlasting life.”

Carlo entered into a coma and experienced a cerebral hemorrhage. He was declared brain dead on Oct. 11 and died the next day.

“He faced his death with immense grace and a certain comprehension of existence and everlasting life,” Moriarty stated.

A miraculous exhibit

Dr. William Ryckman and his wife Mary of Scottdale, Pennsylvania, in 2008 went with a group from the Diocese of Greensburg to attend World Youth Day in Australia. There they heard a “mind-boggling story” about Bishop Jorge Bergoglio — now Pope Francis — being part of an investigation into a lost Communion host that developed a red spot. It was declared a Eucharistic miracle after scientific examinations identified the specimen as muscle from a human heart. What they learned about other Eucharistic miracles and the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis touched them deeply. “Our hearts were just throbbing on the flight back,” Dr. Ryckman said. “We knew we had to do something.” They contacted The Real Presence Education and Adoration Association in Illinois, then arranged to put together a display called “The Eucharistic Miracles Recorded by Carlo Acutis.” He turned to Ken Paulsen, a printer in Portland, Oregon, who has printed more than 35 exhibits. “I have a large printing machine and could print a complete set for less than half the price of his local printer,” Paulsen said. “So Dr. Bill and I refined the system with an accordion style layout that was self-supporting, lightweight and easy to set up. This allows greater access and promotion of Blessed Carlo’s work.” The Ryckmans take their display to parishes in their region and bring prayer cards, rosaries, books and other religious items. They also have a first class relic — strands of Blessed Carlo’s hair — that they have on loan from a priest, who received it from Carlo’s mother. Sometimes more than 2,000 people visit an exhibit, but the numbers are not as important as who the Lord sends. “There’s more interest now that Carlo is going to be a saint,” Dr. Ryckman said. “So many people just cry and share their stories when they come.” The youth are often intrigued with seeing photos of Carlo in jeans and a soccer jacket. “They say, ‘He could be my friend,’ and I tell them well, he certainly could be,” Mary Ryckman said. Diane Striegel of Boonton, New Jersey, also has a display from Paulsen that she takes to four states. “I became involved when I was having my own doubts about the Real Presence,” she said. “Then in 2021 I saw a special on EWTN about a display on Blessed Carlo and went on a quest to see it.” When she contacted The Real Presence, someone suggested that she purchase her own, and she did. “That was a real leap of faith,” she said. “I had no plans for a ministry. I just wanted to see it.” She witnesses how Blessed Carlo, the Eucharistic miracles and the relic she has on loan touches so many hearts. Some people are moved to tears. “I am blessed,” Striegel said about taking around the exhibits. “It’s a huge step in what I believe is a fruitful journey ahead and I hope to grow in my own faith.” Paulsen has praise for the men and women who spread the stories of the miracles and of Carlo. “I’m just the guy in the back room with the printer,” he said. “The heroes are all the custodians on the front lines promoting the exhibit and winning over souls. It’s an important ministry, especially for our times, and I’m honored to be involved.”

Carlo’s journey to canonization

On the sixth memorial of Carlo’s passing, the Archdiocese of Milan initiated the process for his canonization, and he was designated as a Servant of God in May 2013. He was recognized as Venerable in 2018 when Pope Francis affirmed his existence as one characterized by heroic virtue.

The initial miracle occurred when Luciana Vianna from Brazil brought her son Mattheus to a ceremony and sought Carlo’s intercession. The child was swiftly cured of a pancreatic ailment that hindered his ability to consume solid food. In February 2020, Pope Francis verified the miracle’s legitimacy, marking the subsequent phase in Carlo’s journey toward sainthood.

The Holy Father acknowledged the second miracle on May 23, 2024. This event pertained to a woman named Valeria from Costa Rica who experienced a brain hemorrhage after falling from a bicycle while studying overseas. Her mother, Lilliana, went to Carlo’s grave and prayed for his intercession. On that very day, Valeria began to breathe independently, and the following day she was capable of walking. All signs of the hemorrhage had vanished.

During those years, numerous individuals came to pay their respects at Carlo’s grave when he was laid to rest in the town’s cemetery in Ternengo, before being moved to the cemetery in Assisi, the identical town in which St. Francis is interred.

Carlo’s remains were dug up on Jan. 23, 2019, and on April 6 of the same year, they were relocated to their current resting place. A silicone model of his face has been created.

Hope for Catholics in the present day

Numerous individuals have been questioned for the movie, including both of Carlo’s parents, longtime friends and others who were familiar with him and cared for him, along with several notable Catholics.

“Carlo’s mother has been among the most engaging interviews,” Moriarty stated. “She credits her own enhanced awareness of the gift of faith to him.”

Rajesh Mohur, a young Hindu individual engaged by the family to guide Carlo throughout Milan, provided yet another compelling account.

“Moriarty stated that he would accompany Carlo to Mass and adoration, and Rajesh was so influenced by Carlo’s faith that Rajesh and his family embraced Catholicism.”

Moriarty extended an invitation to Richter and the students to participate in the film. They were familiar with one another from the time when Richter and his son, both members of the Knights of Columbus, featured in a different Castletown project. Richter, who spent 11 years teaching at one of North Dakota’s four Catholic high schools, persisted in organizing the pilgrimages to Rome after he arrived at UMary.

It was a suitable match for the pilgrims and Carlo’s narrative. The adolescents experienced the life of a youthful saint, and according to the established regulations of Richter’s pilgrimages, the students were prohibited from using technology.

“This provides them the chance to reflect, pray, and contemplate the significance of their life,” Richter stated. “It enables them to listen to God’s voice during their prayers.”

Moriarty expressed that his faith was strengthened by the production and referred to the social media silence during the pilgrimage as pertinent for our paths to understanding reality.

“The design of the film serves as a call and response to examine the condition of the world, our position in the digital era, and our desire to comprehend the obstacles while illustrating how Carlo assists us in navigating them,” he noted. “We can compile the methods in which he lived throughout his entire existence and demonstrate to the youth today that there is hope. I believe we genuinely want this to convey a message of hope, that sanctity is indeed achievable today.”