Staff Reports
A new documentary is making waves as it hits theaters, following the life of the first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis. For those who might be unfamiliar, Carlo was an extraordinary young man, renowned for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and technological prowess. Such a story seems to whisk the average viewer into a narrative that feels anything but ordinary—unless you’re aware of his simple start. Reportedly, his journey toward holiness began in an unspectacularly non-religious family. Go figure—a saint rising from a home that probably couldn’t find a Bible if it were duct-taped to their TV remote.
Carlo’s passion for the Eucharist began at an early age, prompting him to request early First Holy Communion. When most kids are clumsily learning to tie their shoes, Carlo was stepping boldly toward spiritual maturity. It’s reported he single-handedly pulled his family back to their Catholic faith, all while setting an unexpectedly tech-centric precedent. Unlike the stereotypical vision of monks writing scriptures by candlelight, he wielded a computer, creating a website documenting Eucharistic miracles, all with the intent of enticing folks back to the church.
One might chuckle at the irony—not about the divine, of course, but of Carlo’s thoroughly modern methods. A web-savvy saint using technology not to post selfies but to inspire faith. There’s a lesson there for the current generation, often tangled in TikTok and rhythmically challenged dance challenges. Here was a kid with the same online abilities, employing them not for fleeting Likes but for lasting enlightenment.
The appeal of Carlo’s story, as conveyed in the documentary, doesn’t stop at his tech ambitions. This young saint played soccer, a detail that’s been pointed out repeatedly as a selling point to the faithful youth. After all, there’s no better way to connect with teenagers than through sports and technology, right? Imagine the communication from heaven if the angels could tap into Wi-Fi; Gabriel might even send match highlights rather than trumpeting them.
The release of the documentary about Carlo Acutis is also a commentary on the entertainment industry at large, contrasting starkly with the usual Hollywood fare saturating cinema screens. Jim Wahlberg, involved with making this film, faces off against an industry that fondly embraces more caped crusaders than spiritual ones. It’s a refreshing change of pace, echoing the need for grounding narratives in a world often obsessed with blockbuster spectacle. This film reminds audiences that sometimes, it’s not only about action-packed heroes but also those grounded in humility and faith.
