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s2smodern

A videospot, produced, shot and edited directly by Carlo Acutis to promote volunteering, is available at the Historical Archive of the Leo XIII Institute in Milan, where he was a student. His opinion, his joy, his contemplation of the world can be understood from the few sentences that constitute this advert, because, as he states at the end of this short brief, "from whatever point you look at it, life is always fantastic", while the last shot is the fading of sunlight.

The young man beatified on 10 October by Pope Francis, attended the fourth high school year of the Leo XIII Institute in 2006, one of the schools of the Jesuit Education network, which together with all other schools prepared for the beatification involving students and teachers.

A group of parents, teachers and ex-students took part in the celebration on 10 October in Assisi where some students acted as "reporters" and "special correspondents".

"He is a saint very close to us, who walked and lived until a few years ago within the walls and in the classrooms of one of our schools" Fr. Jimmy Bartolo SJ, President of the Foundation highlighted, "sitting at the same desks where our students sit every day ".

The Teachers

Fr. Roberto Gazzaniga, who at that time was responsible for the pastoral care of Leo XIII, talks about Carlo’s cleverness, “He was so gifted that he was known by all as a clever boy, but without arousing envy. His goodness and authenticity have won over the tendency to lower the profile of those with outstanding qualities. He never concealed his faith, respectful of the positions of others, but without renouncing the clarity of voicing and bearing witness to the principles of his Christian life ».

“He was lively and intelligent and had a profound look” recalls his math’s teacher Maria Alessandra. “He had a lot of interests. He didn't seem particularly passionate about my subject. He did not always do his homework. He justified himself by saying that he had other things to do. Only after his sudden death did I realize that this boy really had something much more important to do.”

"He had a deep faith and a particular devotion to the Eucharist", Gabriella Tona, Director General of Leo XIII and former Rector of the Institute in Carlo’s time states. "Being so normal is the main lesson that we can learn from him and communicate to his peers today".

The students

"With regards to peer pressure, the obsession with fashion, the fear of being judged by others" Sofia, one of the students of the Institute, writes "we now realize the relevance of his example."

"Carlo was just enthusiastic, he didn't impose anything on others" Marta adds. "Now with his sneakers, sweatshirt and jeans he walks smilingly in paradise" concludes Federico. “I love recalling that those same shoes walked the earth, leaving a mark behind”.

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s2smodern