Bl. Carlo Acutis will be canonized by Pope Francis at the World Jubilee of Teenagers on Sunday, April 27, 2025, making him the first millennial saint. Here are some ideas to celebrate, whether you’re at home with your kids or in a classroom of students.
1. Watch the canonization (or part of it).
The canonization will be shown on EWTN Live on April 27 at 3:00AM EST. Afterwards, there will be recordings of the canonization to rewatch all or part of the Mass. EWTN will also be showing an “encore” of the canonization at 7:00PM EST. (Link to watch live on EWTN.)
What happens in the Rite of Canonization?
In the Rite of Canonization, which takes place during the Holy Mass, the Pope declares that the candidate for canonization is with God and is worthy of veneration by the faithful of the Catholic Church. It is important to note that through canonization, the Pope does not “make” a person a saint through any power of his own, nor does he somehow “admit” the person into Heaven. Rather, a canonization is a formal, infallible act that recognizes this person is already in Heaven with God. This determination is made prior to the canonization Mass through a formal canonical process which includes a lengthy and thorough investigation into the life of the deceased person.
The Rite of Canonization takes place before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Here’s what you can look for:
- Petition: the Prefect (“head”) of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints asks the Pope to proceed with the canonization.
- Litany of the Saints: the chanted hymn of intercession of the saints. Each chanted name is followed by “ora pro nobis,” or “pray for us.”
- Formula of Canonization: The Pope formally and infallibly declares the Blessed a “Saint.”
- Hymns of praise and thanksgiving
- Veneration of relics
2. Learn about Carlo
Carlo Acutis: Holiness for the Third Millennium
This comic-style book introduces young readers to the 15-year-old computer whiz who is on his way to being declared a saint. Like other boys his age, Blessed Carlo Acutis loved soccer and video games, but his desire to share his deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament made him stand out from the crowd.
Glory Stories CD Vol 17: Saint Carlo Acutis
This 45-minute audio drama for kids is a great way to be immersed in the story of Carlo’s life and holiness. It’s a captivating listen and sure to hold your audience’s attention!
Saints Alive: Blessed Carlo Acutis
Listen as Carlo tells the story of a Eucharistic miracle in Columbia.
Carlo Acutis Readings and Questions
Two reading passages about Carlo Acutis and the Canonization process teach kids about sainthood. Both passages include comprehension questions (multiple choice and short answer).
3. Play Games!
Soccer: Carlo loved to play soccer. Get outside and play a quick game!
Bingo: Here’s a fun way to learn about Carlo’s life through a game. This Bingo game includes symbols from Carlo’s life and a list of descriptions teaching you how each image is related to Carlo. (It also includes a short list of prize ideas to celebrate a Bingo victory Carlo-style!)
4. Spend some time in Adoration
Carlo loved the Eucharist and spent much of his time in prayer. He was fascinated by Eucharistic miracles, creating a website that cataloged Eucharistic miracles from all over the world. Take a page from Carlo’s book and spend some time with the Lord in quiet prayer. After all, as Carlo said, “If we get in front of the sun, we get sun tans…But when we get in front of Jesus in the Eucharist, we become saints.”
5. Throw a party!
Make it a party by inviting some friends over to do these things with you! Here are some additional ideas to level it up to party mode:
Make Cupcakes:
Use these cupcake toppers to make your desserts themed.
Serve Gelato:
Carlo was Italian, after all! As you enjoy your treat, you can tell the story of how Carlo once trekked uphill across town to return just 20 cents to the gelato shop after being given too much change for his gelato.
Any canonization is a day of great celebration in the Church – we are recognizing that a brother or sister in Christ has accomplished the goal of this life: sainthood – being in Heaven with God! Whether you use these ideas or others, know that you are rejoicing with other Catholics from all over the world. Together, we are reminded that we, too, are called to be saints!
St. Carlo Acutis, Pray for Us!
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