Here’s what Bishop Athanasius Schneider has said about Blessed Carlo Acutis:
1. Witness of Authentic Catholic Life
From a July 2024 interview, Bishop Schneider praised Carlo’s life as a profound example of youthful holiness:
“He led a truly intense Christian life for his age. At just 14 or 15 years old, he had a deep love and devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist... He never received Communion in the hand, out of his spontaneous love for Jesus in the Eucharist.”
He further emphasized Carlo’s spiritual maturity, noting not only his technical achievements but the depth of his interior life.
2. Heroic Acceptance of Suffering
Bishop Schneider highlighted how Carlo met his illness with grace:
“When faced with illness, [Carlo] accepted it with love, offering his life for the Church. I believe his example is a powerful one for young people today… showing them how to live a deep Christian life, with Eucharistic devotion and love for the Church and for God.”
3. A Model for Youth and the Digital Age
Schneider affirms that Carlo isn’t just a “techie” saint—he’s a compelling guide for modern youth:
- He combined computer skill with deep devotion, creating a website showcasing Eucharistic miracles.
- His example shows young people how to channel digital tools toward evangelization, not distraction.
Why Bishop Schneider’s Perspective Matters
- Credibility & Orthodoxy: Schneider is a respected traditionalist bishop, known for his fidelity to Church teaching, especially regarding the Eucharist and liturgy.
- Validation of Carlo’s Path: His testimony affirms that Carlo’s sanctity wasn’t a coincidence—it reflected true holiness rooted in worship, prayer, virtue, and self-giving.
Practical Takeaways from Schneider's View
- Eucharistic Devotion: Take seriously Carlo’s love for adoration and Mass—it’s the heart of his spiritual life.
- Purposeful Digital Life: Embrace technology as a tool to spread faith, not simply to consume content.
- Offer Sufferings: Learn from Carlo’s attitude in his final days—offer your struggles for the Church.
Final Thought
Bishop Schneider sees in Carlo Acutis a powerful model: a modern teenager whose everyday virtues—faith, tech-savvy, kindness, heroism in suffering—shine with authentic sanctity. For young people wondering if holiness is possible in their world, Schneider’s endorsement says, unequivocally, yes.
1 comment
I would hope that Catholic schools and homeschooling parents are making young people aware of Carlos Acutis, his life as a modern teen, and that it is possible in such times to be or become holy.