As Nigeria traverses the complexity of its sociopolitical and economic terrain, the pursuit of personal and communal holiness can seem like a distant dream. However, the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager on the verge of sainthood, is a light of hope and practical encouragement for Nigerian teenagers seeking to live virtuous lives in today’s world.
Carlo Acutis, who will soon be canonized, embodies the possibility of holiness in the contemporary era. Born in London in 1991 and raised in Milan, Carlo was an ordinary teenager with an extraordinary devotion to God. Despite his parents’ lack of religious fervor, Carlo’s deep love for the Eucharist and his dedication to daily Mass and confession set him apart. His influence was so profound that it led his family back to regular religious practice.
Carlo’s passion for technology did not detract from his spirituality but rather enhanced it. He skillfully balanced his love for soccer and video games with a disciplined approach to his digital consumption, limiting himself to an hour of gaming per week. More importantly, he harnessed his skills in computer programming to create a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles, aiming to rekindle the faith of those drifting away from the Church.
Nigerian youths, confronted with societal challenges such as economic instability, political unrest, and social inequalities, can draw immense inspiration from Carlo’s life and there are key lessons to consider.
First, Carlo’s example shows that faith can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines. By prioritizing spiritual practices such as attending Mass, praying the Rosary, and regular confession, our youths can cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God amidst their busy lives. Similarly, in an age where the young people center their lives on the internet and social media, Carlo’s prudent use of technology stands as a model. Our youths can emulate this by using digital platforms to spread positive messages, share their faith, and support each other in living out their values.
Also, Carlo was known for his empathy, particularly towards those who were marginalized or bullied. Today, in our daily lives bullying has become a pathological vice experienced in secondary schools and higher institutions. People are bullied and body-shamed to often detrimental effects on their mental health and social life. Youths can follow Carlo’s lead by advocating for inclusivity, offering support to the vulnerable, and fostering a culture of kindness and respect.
More so, Carlo’s acceptance of his illness and his willingness to offer his suffering for others reflects the profound faith he had in God. Our youths, who may face various personal and societal hardships, can find strength in viewing their struggles through a lens of redemptive suffering, offering their challenges to God for the benefit of others. We can not afford to hide under the guise of economic hardship and political unrest to descend into moral decadence and a life marked with frivolity.
Overall, Carlo Acutis’ life is a powerful reminder that sainthood is not reserved for the distant past or for those far removed from our own experiences. His canonization signals that holiness is attainable, even in jeans and sneakers, and within the digital terrain of the 21st century. Nigerian youths, by embracing their faith, leveraging technology for good, practicing empathy, and offering their struggles to God, can walk the path of sanctity that Carlo has so beautifully illuminated. In doing so, they not only transform their own lives but also contribute to the healing and growth of their communities and the nation at large.
