Review – Digital Disciple: Carlo Acutis and the Eucharist

A comic about a newly minted saint! Well, almost newly minted….

Beatified only a few years ago, the subject of this comic will soon be a saint! But for now, he is still recognized as the beatified patron of computers, the Eucharist, and youth. Voyage Comics and Publishing teamed with the Augustine Institute to produce a comic on his life and boy, did they deliver!

Those focused on the world will not have a faith that flourishes, and the ubiquity of technology can seem to be a distraction that appears to drive people further away from God and one another. But one young man found a way through this distraction to bring people to God using technology – Blessed Carlo Acutis of Milan, Italy.

The Story

All good tales of saints start in their youth and Carlo’s story is no different. Frankly, Carlo’s parents are surprised at his enthusiasm for the Mass and their Catholic Faith, as neither of them have been regular churchgoers for years. Yet once Carlo starts attending Mass as often as possible, they begin to go with him as well. At thirteen, when he is asked to teach a catechism class, young Carlo is ecstatic. He gets to talk to others about God and the Eucharist! Soon he will help them understand how important the Mass and the Faith are and bring more souls to Christ!

Only it does not work out that way. None of the students are precisely disrespectful but they do not particularly care, either. They mention that the priest should tell better jokes, that he shouldn’t talk so long, and wouldn’t they all rather play video games anyway? Carlo is a great guy but who cares about the Mass, or the Eucharist, or any of that Faith stuff? It’s just something to put up with until they get to go out and have fun.

Disheartened, Carlo asks his parish priest for advice on how to reach his fellow youth with God’s love. Father Antonio doesn’t have time to offer in-depth advice but points Carlo to the church of San Francesco in Lanciano, Italy, where a magnificent Eucharistic miracle took place. Enthused, Carlo looks up the miracle and has a brilliant idea – why not make a website where everyone can read about the 152 confirmed Eucharistic miracles the world over? But such a list will take time to complete, and not every saint lives for very long….

The Characters

Carlo shines brightly as a happy, loving boy concerned with things most boys his age find interesting. His love of God, the Eucharist, and eternal salvation is certainly not typical to most presentations of boys his age in modern media, but that makes him more interesting than a fictional protagonist would ever be since it is so very genuine. Carlo is real, after all, not a character made up by a human author. If he could play video games and still love God…then anyone can.

Other people come and go but still leave an impression in this comic, such as Carlo’s loving parents and his friends. The homeless people he helps are also memorable and no character – real or fictional – is neglected. Although Carlo is the focal point of the story, his shining example brings everyone else into focus in the process, as should occur with a soon-to-be saint!

The World

The world is Italy – specifically Milan and Assisi – in the early 2000s. It is a far cry from the world of today with the video games and older computers showing just how much has changed in that span of time. The juxtaposition of Carlo’s intense faith with the faithlessness of the world around him is even more striking and helps to put things in greater perspective; technology and popularity comes and goes, but God and His love are eternal. When the games and computers change, God will be the same.

Politics

None.

Content Warning

There is some bullying shown and a few temper tantrums, but nothing too overwhelming or upsetting.

Who is it for?

Boys who want something quick and inspiring to read and parents who want to get them something they can enjoy without reservation will want this comic. People who wish to show youth today what life was like twenty years ago will also find this comic useful, and of course, Catholics are the main target audience. Yet the book can be easily read and appreciated by all as it takes readers on a journey through the faith-filled eyes of a young teenager. Anyone who wants to encourage their boys to spend less time on a screen will also want this comic. Carlo had a rule he instituted when he was playing with his friends – one hour of screen time, no more and no less! Parents who hope to curb their children’s hours on screen might find this comic will help with that!

Why buy it?

It is a good comic for boys in a time and a place where they are hated and despised just for being male. Those who wish to counteract that influence of the world should look at this book as an opportunity to turn aside the world for something more positive. After all, isn’t that the whole point of following Christ – to bring His love, His positive influence, to others who need Him?