In the rich tradition of the Church, each saint brings a special message for their time. Carlo Acutis, the young Italian who lived between 1991 and 2006, quickly won the hearts of Brazilian faithful with his witness of faith lived in the digital age. Canonized in 2020, his liturgical memory initially coincided with October 12th, the same date Brazil celebrates Our Lady of Aparecida, the nation's patroness. This overlapping of celebrations led Brazilian bishops to reflect on how to better honor both devotions.
The figure of Carlo Acutis resonates especially among Brazilian youth, who identify with his passion for technology and his ability to use modern tools for evangelization. His motto "being happy is being close to God" echoes in youth communities throughout Brazil, where many find in him a model of holiness attainable in everyday life.
As the letter to the Hebrews teaches us:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2a, NIV)Carlo Acutis has become part of that "cloud of witnesses" inspiring Christians today.
The Liturgical Process of Date Adjustment
During the 62nd General Assembly of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), held at the National Shrine of Aparecida, bishops dedicated significant time to discuss liturgical matters. The Episcopal Commission for Liturgy, coordinated by Bishop Hernaldo Farias with participation from the experienced Bishop José Belisário da Silva, presented carefully studied proposals.
The process of adjusting dates in the liturgical calendar is neither simple nor quick. It involves theological, pastoral, and practical considerations. Brazilian bishops, aware of the importance of both devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida and the witness of Carlo Acutis, sought a solution that would honor both celebrations without one overshadowing the other.
Bishop Hernaldo Farias explained during a press conference that "liturgical texts are the fruit of many hands and much discernment." This statement reflects the seriousness with which the Church treats its celebrations, understanding that every detail of worship communicates something about the faith we profess.
The Meaning of Dates in Church Life
Dates in the liturgical calendar are not mere formalities. They structure the spiritual year of the faithful, marking special moments of memory, celebration, and learning. When the Church establishes a date to celebrate a saint, it's saying: "This life is worth remembering and imitating."
For the Brazilian people, October 12th has double meaning: it's Children's Day and the day of Our Lady of Aparecida. The coincidence with the memory of Carlo Acutis, a young man who died at age 15, seemed providential, but also raised practical questions about how to give adequate attention to both celebrations.
As the Psalmist reminds us:
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, NIV)Liturgical wisdom consists precisely in organizing our days so each celebration can be lived in its fullness.
Carlo Acutis: A Model for Brazilian Youth
What makes Carlo Acutis so special for Brazil? First, his youth. In a country where over 40% of the population is under 25, a teenage saint speaks directly to young hearts. Second, his familiarity with the digital world. In a highly connected Brazil where cell phones are everyday tools, Carlo shows how technology can be used for good.
The young Italian saint created a website to catalog Eucharistic miracles, demonstrating how modern media can serve evangelization. His example is particularly relevant in our context, where social media and technology form an integral part of daily life for millions of young people.
The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit and under the leadership of Pope León XIV, continues discerning how to present models of holiness that speak to new generations. In this process, figures like Carlo Acutis remind us that holiness isn't a thing of the past, but a living, current possibility for all who seek to follow Christ in today's world.
Comments