As parents, we often find ourselves in a delicate balance between nurturing our children’s faith and guiding them through a world increasingly shaped by technology. The good news is that faith and technology don’t have to be at odds. Carlo Acutis offers an example of how we can encourage our children to use their digital skills as disciples of Jesus Christ. In this article, we’ll explore how Carlo Acutis used technology to spread the Gospel and ways that Catholic families can support their children in learning and evangelizing in the modern world.

The process of becoming a saint involves recognition by the Church, typically through beatification and canonization. Carlo Acutis, who died at just 15 years old, was recognized for his extraordinary faith and service, leading to his beatification in 2020 after a miracle attributed to his intercession. His journey to sainthood highlights that holiness can be achieved in the modern world, inspiring young people globally.

Venerable Status

Carlo’s life was tragically cut short when he died from leukemia on October 12, 2006. His short life, however, was marked by extraordinary faith and a commitment to service. In 2018, the Vatican declared Carlo “venerable,” recognizing the heroic virtue he displayed in his life.

Beatification

On October 10, 2020, Carlo was beatified in Assisi, Italy, in a ceremony that was both a celebration of his life and a recognition of his contributions to evangelization. The miracle that led to his beatification was the healing of a young boy in Brazil, whose recovery was attributed to Carlo’s intercession. This event further solidified Carlo's legacy as a modern saint whose life resonated with young people across the globe.

Canonization

Blessed Carlo is on the path to sainthood. As the Church anticipates his canonization, the words of Pope Francis inspire young people to follow Carlo’s example: “I encourage all of you to rediscover the great gift of the Eucharist!” Carlo’s journey to sainthood offers a powerful reminder that holiness is not confined to a particular time or place but can be achieved in the modern world.

Carlo Acutis reminds us that sainthood is not confined to a specific time or place. Saints are among us now! With the right guidance, our students can follow Carlo’s example and use their gifts, including their digital skills, to share the light of Christ in an increasingly digital world.

Support Students in Becoming Digital Evangelizers

As parents, you play a key role in guiding your children to navigate the digital world in a way that is faithful and purposeful. Carlo Acutis’ example offers invaluable lessons on how to use technology to deepen one’s faith and evangelize in today’s world. Here are some ways you can support your children in becoming digital evangelizers.

Modern Catholic Learning

One of the most powerful ways for your children to live their faith in the digital age is by enrolling them in virtual courses with a Catholic perspective and hone the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly virtual world. By taking these courses, learners can see how their faith intersects with traditional subjects like science, history, literature, and social studies as well as essential subjects like computer science and artificial intelligence (AI). These courses offer the right tools and support to help young Catholics navigate the world with a strong foundation in Catholic teaching and equipped with skills to learn, connect, and share digitally.

Encouraging Faithful Digital Literacy

Technology is here to stay, so it’s important to help your children develop their digital skills with faith in mind. Guide them toward Catholic websites, podcasts, and channels that provide trustworthy, enriching content. Encourage them to explore topics like Scripture, Catholic history, and the lives of the saints online in a safe, faith-centered environment. Technology should be seen as a tool for learning and spiritual growth in addition to entertainment.

Creating Opportunities for Virtual Ministry

There are many ways your family can use the internet to share their faith with others. Together, participate in online Bible studies, virtual retreats, or service projects that support Catholic causes. Social media can also be a platform for sharing personal faith journeys or inspiring others with the messages of the Gospel. By joining in these opportunities, you can help your children understand that evangelization can happen online, just as it does in person.

Fostering Respectful Digital Communication

Help your children understand that how they communicate online matters. In a world where negativity and hostility can often dominate the digital space, teach them to be kind, respectful, and truthful in their interactions. Encourage them to engage in digital conversations that reflect the love, compassion, and truth of Christ. They (and you) can be powerful witnesses to the faith simply by how they behave online!

Being Accountable Online

As a family, it’s important to establish healthy boundaries around technology use. Have open discussions about what your children are doing online and create guidelines for ethical and purposeful use of the internet. This includes protecting privacy, respecting others, and ensuring that all family members are using technology to build up the Kingdom of God.

Carlo Acutis’ life demonstrates that technology and faith can work together and that the digital age offers each of us opportunities for evangelization. His devotion to the Eucharist and his creative use of technology to evangelize offer a powerful example for your children as they grow up in a digital world.

As parents and families, you can guide your children toward using their digital tools to spread the Gospel, just as Carlo did. By offering online Catholic courses, encouraging digital literacy, creating opportunities for online ministry, and fostering respectful communication, you can help them become faithful, modern disciples of Christ. By using technology with faith, creativity, and purpose, your children can also carry the light of Christ into the world, both online and offline.