Preface
“Did you know Carlo Acutis?” I heard this question asked many times during the amazing days of his beatification in Assisi. I had to answer: unfortunately, no. When I arrived in Assisi, as bishop, in February 2006, we were in the winter months during which Carlo was in Milan. In the summer, he returned to the city of Saint Francis, as he was used to doing with his family, but I never had occasion to meet him. By October, his earthly life was already on track to heaven. Nevertheless, I do like to note that, in reality, this is not quite true. Antonia, Carlo’s mother, reminded me that in the previous year, in Rome, Carlo and I had met, but without my realising it. I was then secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship. On 5th May, 2005, I participated in a Congress on eucharistic miracles held at the Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum. On that occasion, the Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles, designed by Carlo, was also on display, and he was there. We may have greeted each other in passing. I would never have imagined that fifteen years later, I would witness his beatification. 7
b. Blessed Carlo Acutis B776.indd 7
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