Along with Baptism and Eucharist, Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Roman Catholic Church. It completes the grace given at Baptism through the outpouring of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Courage, Knowledge, Reverence, Right Judgment, Understanding, Wisdom, and Wonder & Awe. These gifts seal or “confirm” the mystical union between the Candidates for Confirmation and Christ Jesus. These gifts also provide the guts and resolve necessary to live in prayer, fellowship, and service to God and our neighbors.

This year, 36 high school students from Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish have completed the requirements of our youth faith formation program. During the past year, these young men and women have prayed together and engaged in a serious way with the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. They are now well-prepared to publicly renew their baptismal vows, profess their faith, renounce the darkness, and live as faithful and faith-filled Catholics.

Living as a Christian disciple in today’s world is not easy. Indeed, deciding to live as a devoted fol- lower of Jesus Christ may be the most radical choice that these young disciples ever make. They are not alone. Discipleship has never been easy. For centuries, Christians have been mocked and martyred for their faith in Jesus. In recent years, however, the Church has raised up the memory of a young disciple whose entire life was devoted to living the Gospel and sharing God’s love with others.

Carlo Acutis (1991-2006) was born in London, but lived almost all of his short life in Italy. Carlo was an average student, but distinguished himself in two ways. First, like most young people of his generation, Carlo was passionate about technology. Second, Carlo was devoted to the Eucharist, the simple life, and small acts of charity. At age thirteen, Carlo wondered how the Church could do a better job of communicating the Good News of Christ. So, he began creating a website that combined his love for God and his growing curiosity about the internet. The result is a website that includes a catalog of Eucharistic miracles and apparitions of the Blessed Mother all around the world.

Just as Carlo was preparing to launch his website, he was diagnosed with an advanced form of leuke- mia. He died less than two weeks later, but his website and legacy live on. Almost immediately after Carlo’s death, people in need began praying for his intercession. Through his prayers, a woman claimed to have been cured of cancer. Another woman testified that his prayers helped her and her husband to conceive a child. In 2012, the Archbishop of Milan opened an official investigation into the life and holiness of Carlo Acutis. In 2013, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints declared him a Servant of God, the first step in the process formally making him a saint. And in 2018, Pope Francis approved his beatification as Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Before Blessed Carlo passed from this life, he said: “Everyone is born an original, but many people end up dying as photocopies.” Reflecting on these words, Pope Francis said to young people: “You can become what God your Creator knows you are, if only you realize that you are called to something greater. Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit and confidently aim for the great goal of holiness. In this way, you will not be a photocopy. You will be fully yourself.” Blessed Carlo Acutis is now venerated as a patron of both teenagers and the internet. May his prayers and good example inspire each one of us to be the person that we are called and created to be! Blessed Carlo Acutis, pray for us! Blessed Carlo Acutis, pray for our young disciples — now and always! Amen!

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (1-28-24)
Bringing Home the Word (1-28-24)
The Kids Bulletin (1-28-24)

Pastor’s Note: This portrait of Blessed Carlo Acutis was painted for the Assisi Project by Ruben Ferreira, a Portuguese artist who lives and works in London. We thank Ruben for his good friendship and generous spirit, and for allowing us to display his work online and in person. For the next two weeks, Blessed Carlo’s portrait and his relic will be displayed in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. For more information about Ruben Ferreira and his art, please visit his website.

__________

Call to Prayer
A Prayer for the Intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis

Patron of Teenagers and the Internet