Chesterton Academy of Blessed Carlo Acutis

“…the fragmentation of families and the weakening of community bonds call for renewed alliances — among schools, parishes, universities, and families. Only together can we accompany young people toward maturity in truth and love.

Education is always a work of hope — it plants seeds whose fruits will be harvested by others.

True education opens one to encounter. It breaks down walls and builds bridges. When young people meet Christ — often through the witness of educators who love them — they discover that life is a gift meant to be shared.

Let us therefore educate for service, for listening, for dialogue. Let us help young people become artisans of peace, not consumers of noise.

I wish to invite teachers, students, and families to rediscover education as a pilgrimage of faith.”
— Pope Leo XIV, Apostolic Letter “Disegnare nuove mappe,” October 27, 2025

At Chesterton Academy of St. Carlo Acutis, we share this vision. Together with families, parishes, and educators, we are reawakening the joy of learning and faith in the Grand Valley. Learn more at chestertonblcarlo.org

St. Carlo Acutis, Pray for us.

“The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” — Saint Carlo Acutis

Today we celebrate the feast of our heavenly patron, Saint Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint and a joyful witness to how holiness is possible in every age. Carlo loved soccer, video games, and technology, but above all, he loved Jesus in the Eucharist.

At Chesterton Academy of Saint Carlo Acutis, we follow his example by seeking truth, growing in virtue, and joyfully living our faith each day.

To learn more about our school, visit chestertonblcarlo.org.

Where are you going to send your children to high school? It's probably the most important decision you'll ever make. It's the formation that takes place at that key moment in their lives, that will set the course for eternity...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N71XyCXbITE

The official prayer requesting the intercession of Saint Carlo Acutis:

Oh God, our Father, thank you for giving us Carlo,
a model of life for young people
and a message of love for all.
You have made him fall in love
with your son Jesus,
making the Eucharist
his "highway to heaven."

You have given him Mary
as a very beloved Mother,
and you have made him,
with her Rosary,
become a singer of her tenderness.
She welcomes his intercession for us.
He looks above all at the poor,
whom he loved and helped.

[Grant me also, through his intercession, the grace I need...]

And make our joy full,
leading Carlo among the saints
of the universal Church,
so that his smile continues
to shine for us and for the glory of your name.
Amen

Countdown to Canonization
Check out this engaging kids’ audio drama from The Merry Beggars called “The Saint Who Made Websites.” 🎧
This five-part series features scripted, acted-out episodes with rich sound design and music — making it far more immersive than a typical podcast. Each episode is about 10 minutes long, perfect for family listening!

Listen at home or in the car: http://bit.ly/4p8wqrR

Read more about Carlo in this article, "Carlo Acutis, the First Millennial Saint” by Fr. Billy Swan. It offers a compelling overview of his life, his faith in technology, his deep love for the Eucharist, and his foresight in using the internet to evangelize. It really captures his relevance for youth today.

Posted on wordonfire.org: http://bit.ly/4lWdR7r

10 Days to Canonization – Day 6

On Sunday, Sept. 7, Pope Leo XIV will preside over the Mass and canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, together with the canonization of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.

Coverage will be broadcast live on EWTN at 3 a.m. ET / 1 a.m. MT, with an encore presentation at 3 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. MT later that day.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aBGx2KBubxE

“All people are born as originals but many die as photocopies.” — Blessed Carlo Acutis

Blessed Carlo Acutis reminds us that sainthood isn’t reserved for the cloistered or the canonized — it’s a call for everyone.

In a beautiful reflection from Catholic Women in Business, author Mary Kate McNamara shares her pilgrimage to Carlo’s tomb and how his upcoming canonization proves that holiness is possible in the modern world.

Carlo lived simply: he went to school, played video games, wore sneakers — and yet, his deep love for the Eucharist and joyful faith made him extraordinary.

His life is an opportunity for us to stop disqualifying ourselves from holiness. If a teenager in jeans can become a saint, so can we.

Read the full reflection: https://bit.ly/4mG7shM

“People who put themselves before the sun get tanned. People who place themselves before the Eucharist become saints.” — Blessed Carlo Acutis

The extraordinary life of Blessed Carlo Acutis is brought to life in the EWTN documentary “I Am With You.”

Filmed on location in Italy, this moving film shares Carlo’s story through interviews with his family, friends, and others who recollect how he inspires people throughout the world with his deep love for the Eucharist and his joyful embrace of holiness in everyday life.

📺 Watch now: https://ondemand.ewtn.com/Home/Play/en/381-393188

10 Days to Canonization – Day 3
“The more we receive the Eucharist, the more we become like Jesus.” – Blessed Carlo

At just 15, Carlo Acutis combined deep faith with digital savvy to create a website for an exhibition of Eucharistic miracles: miracolieucaristici.org.

Why? Because Carlo believed “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” He wanted the world to know that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist — and he used the internet to make that truth accessible to everyone.

Carlo was:
• A tech whiz who loved video games and soccer
• A daily Mass-goer devoted to prayer and charity
• A pioneer of digital evangelization

Carlo didn’t just talk about faith — he lived it boldly, joyfully, and creatively. He reminds us that holiness isn’t outdated — it’s revolutionary.

Blessed Carlo Acutis, pray for us.

Countdown to Canonization - Day 2
“To always be united with Jesus — this is my life program.” – Blessed Carlo
Join us in praying the 9-Day Novena for Blessed Carlo as we prepare for his canonization.
You can sign up for daily email reminders from Pray More Novenas here: https://bit.ly/carlo-novena