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The long-anticipated canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, teenage computer geek and lover of the Eucharist, has been briefly put on hold in the wake of Pope Francis’s death…but that’s no reason not to put the lessons of Carlo’s life into action right now! As a millennial youth who enjoyed technology but resolved not to let it enslave him, this holy kid in a tracksuit and sneakers is a great model for families—not just for high-tech kids but for us distracted parents who are so often addicted to our iPhones. As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, it’s a great time to try one of these screen-free mini-adventures in honor of the soon-to-be saint.
1. As a teenager, Bl. Carlo made the difficult decision to limit his video game time to one or two hours per week. While waiting for a restaurant meal, sub out the iPad for a pack of playing cards and teach your kids to play Hearts or Go Fish.
2. Bl. Carlo was known for his remarkable ability to make friends with the rich and the poor, the young and the old. Cultivate kindness by starting up a conversation with the older lady ahead of you in the grocery line, even if it’s only about the color of her shirt. Your little ones will learn volumes about loving the one they are with.
3. Bl. Carlo enjoyed sports, especially soccer and swimming. Spend some time in the backyard or at the park kicking a ball around with your kids, even if you’re feeling tired and grouchy after work.
4. Bl. Carlo loved to do seasonal things, like building a snowman on a winter day. Find a way to get out in nature today, whether it’s sunny, rainy, or snowing.
5. Like one of his favorite saints, Francis of Assisi, Bl. Carlo loved the things God created. Pick up a packet of flower or vegetable seeds, dig a hole in a sunny spot of your yard, and watch something grow together.
6. Bl. Carlo enjoyed his furry friends and took good care of them. Spend some extra time playing with your cat or taking the dog for a long walk.
7. Bl. Carlo took the time to pick up garbage when out for a stroll. Invest in a box of plastic gloves and organize a family “trash hunt” in your neighborhood.
8. Bl. Carlo had a lively sense of humor and was considered something of a “class clown” at school. Tell a funny “round robin” story together. One person starts, telling part of the story. The next person picks off where the last person left off, adding details or going off on tangents as desired. The story will probably get pretty bizarre by the end!
9. Bl. Carlo taught himself the saxophone. Play or sing music together as a family…even if you’re just a beginner or can’t carry a tune in a bucket!
10. Have you ever seen the adorable picture of Bl. Carlo in his Spiderman costume? Pull out some old dress-up clothes and have a ball pretending to be someone else.
11. A priest who knew Bl. Carlo compared him to “leaven in dough, or even more like a grain of wheat buried in the earth; he made no noise but made people grow.” Celebrate the life of this young man by baking and eating a loaf of homemade bread together.
12. Bl. Carlo had a special devotion to the saints, including St. Dominic Savio and St. Michael the Archangel. Visit a church with depictions of saints and pick out one or two that you'd like to get to know a little bit better.
13. Bl. Carlo loved the Eucharistic and spent time in front of the Blessed Sacrament as often as he could. Organize a family outing to church for an hour (or ten minutes!) of Adoration. Follow it up with a visit to an ice cream stand.
14. A big fan of Confession, Bl. Carlo invited friends to join him to experience God’s mercy in this special Sacrament. Take your kids to Reconciliation, and let them see you go. It will change their lives.
15. Bl. Carlo used his own allowance to buy bedding and clothes for homeless people. Help your children pick out gently-used clothes and toys to donate to children in need.
16. Bl. Carlo had a deep conviction about the sacredness of human life from conception and spoke up about his beliefs during a class discussion. Take your kids shopping with you to get diapers or baby items for a local pregnancy center.
17. Bl. Carlo made time to be with friends whose parents were going through divorces. Sit down with your child for some uninterrupted time to really listen to him or her.
18. Bl. Carlo suffered courageously during his battle with leukemia at the end of his life. Write cards or letters to a family or parish member in the hospital.
Speaking with maturity beyond his years, Carlo Acutis said, “Sadness is looking at ourselves, happiness is looking towards God.” As we raise our eyes from the latest doomscroll or Instagram post, may we lead our children ever closer to Jesus and the joy He lavishes upon us every day.
Blessed Carlo Acutis, pray for us!
