An inspiring talk on St Carlo Acutis

Known as “The Millennial Saint”, St Carlo Acutis was just 15 when he died. Yet in the space of such a short time, he left behind a very inspiring legacy that will help many in their faith journey.

We recently welcomed Jacquie Stacey of Hallam Diocese in South Yorkshire to share insights into her ministry, which focuses on teaching people, especially school students, about the life and legacy of St Carlo Acutis, who was made a Saint last year on 7 September 2025 by Pope Leo XIV. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about him and the inspiring, Christ-centred life he led during his brief time on Earth.

Our community room was transformed into a mini-exhibition for the occasion, featuring the 6-foot banners Jacquie uses in her presentations to provide a vivid, visual journey through his short but impactful life.

Born to Italian parents and brought up in Milan, St Carlo also has a special connection with Britain as he was born and baptised in London in 1991.

Jacquie gave us an account of his life using a screen and projector, telling us about his devotion to the Mass and to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist from a very young age. She had also brought with her a reliquary inside which was a lock of his dark curly hair.

The young saint was highly gifted in computing, using this talent to help his school website and to create an online exhibition devoted to Eucharistic miracles. Because of this, he is now known as the patron saint of the Internet and nicknamed “God’s Influencer” in reference to the modern online culture.

St Carlo is buried in Assisi, Italy, and his tomb now draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. His body lies in a permanent glass reliquary, presented not in traditional vestments, but in the casual clothes he wore in daily life: jeans, a sweatshirt, and Nike trainers.

Jacquie told us about the answer a teenager gave to a reporter asking her why she spent so much time praying there:
“Well, I can’t wear sackcloth like St Francis and I can’t do the penances of St Clare, but I can wear a tracksuit, jeans and trainers and try to be the kind of person Carlo was.”

Jacquie also emphasised that he was like most boys and girls of his age, which made him very relatable. While he loved things that most teenagers love, such as spending time with friends, sports, playing video games, his greatest love was Jesus, whom he recognised in the poor as well. He loved to adore Jesus in the tabernacle or the monstrance. “If you stay in the sun you get suntanned, and if you stay before Jesus you get holy,” he once said.

Enthralled by the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, he researched numerous miracles down the ages which show that the Body and Blood of Christ are truly present in the consecrated Host of the Mass.

St Carlo died in 2006 from Leukemia, aged only 15. Remarkably, despite his suffering, he offered his pain up for the Pope and for the Catholic Church.

Jacquie’s work with schools, parishes and larger gatherings such as the most recent World Youth Day, is helping raise this young saint’s profile and make him better known. There is now even a St. Carlo Acutis parish in Wolverhampton, and demand for presentations on St Carlo in schools are flourishing. These presentations also usually include time for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

To be always united with Jesus, this is my plan of life. ~ St Carlo Acutis