St. Carlo Acutis and the Mission of the Christ Child Society

Today, the Catholic Church declared Carlo Acutis a saint. Though only 15 when he died, Carlo showed the world how holiness is possible in the ordinary, everyday moments of life. His love for Christ and his ability to see technology as a tool for good inspire me deeply.

As I reflect on his canonization, I see a connection to my own work with the Christ Child Society of the Quad Cities. Our chapter, like all across the nation, is rooted in the vision of our foundress, Mary Virginia Merrick, serving Christ through serving children. In our community, that means providing layettes for newborns, coats and clothing for schoolchildren, books and toys for families in need, and countless other acts of love. We exist to meet the material, emotional, and spiritual needs of children and families, reminding them they are seen, valued, and loved.

My role as Website and Social Media Coordinator sometimes feels behind the scenes, yet I now see it through a new lens. Carlo used the internet to spread faith and joy, and I strive to use these same tools to spread awareness of our mission. Every story shared, every update posted, and every picture uploaded has the power to touch someone’s heart. It may inspire a new member to join, a donor to give, or a struggling parent to reach out for help. Just like Carlo believed that even the digital world could become a path to holiness, I see our Christ Child mission shining through in the work I do online.

How fitting it is that this coming weekend I will be attending the National Christ Child Society Conference in Maryland, where the main topic will be the very thing Carlo championed - social media as a means of connection and mission. His canonization today feels like a providential reminder that my work is not just communications, it is ministry. It is another way of answering the call to serve Christ through serving His children.

Another sign of God’s timing, St. Carlo will also be featured in my upcoming children’s coloring book, Miriam's Heavenly Tea Party, set to release in time for All Saints’ Day. His story of youthful holiness, love of the Eucharist, and creative use of technology will inspire children to see that sainthood is also possible for them. I feel honored to include him among the saints whose lives continue to shine light for the next generation.

Carlo reminds me that holiness is not limited to the convent, the rectory, or the mission field; it can be found in a Facebook post, a website page, or an Instagram story, as long as it points people closer to love. His life inspires me to be braver in using technology with purpose, knowing that when I amplify the mission of the Christ Child Society of the Quad Cities, I’m helping to carry forward both Mary Virginia Merrick’s legacy and Carlo’s example of evangelizing through modern tools.

St. Carlo Acutis, pray for me, for all Christ Child Society chapters, and for every child and family we serve. May our digital presence always be a beacon of Christ’s love.