Just like Blessed Carlo Acutis, we can be holy in today’s time by following Christ, the Laguna parochial vicar said during the mass for the relic and pilgrim image of the saint on Monday, Nov. 11.

In his homily at the Santisimo Rosario Parish, Rev. Fr. Christian Dakila described Blessed Acutis as a typical teen who plays, watches, uses the internet, and dresses like others before he was beatified—making it possible for everyone to be one too.

“Carlo Acutis helps us to understand na hindi malayo ang agwat ng buhay ng isang santo natin,” he said.

(“Carlo Acutis helps us to understand that the life of a saint is not far from ours,” he said.)

Dakila emphasized that despite the context of today's environment, Blessed Carlo Acutis found true happiness through holiness.

Blessed Carlo Acutis is known as the ‘Millennial Cyber Apostle of the Eucharist’ who died from acute leukemia in 2006 between October 11 and 12. He was recognized as a saint when a miracle of healing a boy through his relic was revealed.

According to the parochial rector, Blessed Carlo has a long-lasting influence on students, young people, and everyone. He offers more than just the use of social media; his saintliness encourages young people to aspire to be like him.

“He is not just an influencer. What he offers is beyond social media, a disciple of Jesus, a friend of Jesus, an apostle, a cyber apostle of the Eucharist,” he said.

Dakila added that Pope Francis even wrote in his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit how Blessed Acutis used social media to communicate values and beauty without being afraid of criticism.

“It is true that the digital world can expose you to the risk of self-absorption, isolation, and empty pleasure, ” he quoted.

Dakila recognized everyone’s pain, suffering, and difficulties, but according to him, Beato Carlo shows the necessity of faith to overcome it, especially during the challenges of today’s world.

“We can see chaos in social media, even in the most simple comment section, we can see the toxicity of these times, those who bridge to calumny[…]we have lost the ability to be silent,” he said.

The parochial vicar ended his homily by reminding the religious to visit the Blessed Virgin Mary to be in good hands, just like Blessed Carlo Acutis.

The holy mass followed the enthronement of the relic and pilgrim image of the saint that will be open for public veneration from Nov. 13 to 20.