Starting Tomorrow: A Special Novena for Amelia

Novena to Blessed Carlo Acutis, Patron of Computer Programmers and Young People

Blessed Carlo Acutis was a young man in Italy whose fondness for computers was eclipsed by his love for Jesus and devotion to Mary. He was noted for his cheerfulness, computer skills, and deep devotion to the Eucharist, which became a core theme of his life.

Being a millennial, he decided to put his tech skills to work, documenting Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions on his websites. He launched the last one just a few days before he died of leukemia, at the tragically young age of 15.

The call for him to be beatified began not long after Acutis's death. On October 12, 2012, the sixth anniversary of his death, the Archdiocese of Milan opened the cause for canonization. One of his final wishes was to be buried in Assisi, near his hero St. Francis. In June of 2018, his body was exhumed and found to be incorrupt.

A miracle in Brazil was attributed to Carlo’s intercession. After a detailed investigation, Pope Francis confirmed the miracle's authenticity in February 2020, leading to Acutis's beatification. What this means is Carlo is one miracle away from being canonized as an official saint.

If/when he’s canonized, Carlo is expected to be the patron of computer programmers and young people. Amelia is obviously young, and if given the chance, I think a smart little pea like her could be a computer programmer—

So, for these reasons, I’m going to be praying a novena to Carlo Acutis starting tomorrow, asking for his intercession. I hope you’ll join me. Below is the Prayer for the Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, as well. Please feel free to share this post with anyone who would like to join this novena.

Prayer for the Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis

Oh God, Our Father,
thank you for giving us Carlo, 
a life example for the young
and a message of love for everyone.

You made him become enamoured with 
Your Son Jesus, Making of the Eucharist 
his “Highway to Heaven”.
You gave him Mary, as a most loving Mother, 
and, with the Rosary, you made him 
a poet of her tenderness. Receive his prayer for us.
Above all, gaze upon the poor, 
whom he loved and helped.
Grant for me too, by his intercession, 
the grace that I need ...
And make our joy fulfilled,
placing Carlo among the Saints 
of your Church, so that his smile 
may shine again for us in the glory of your name.​

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Amen