Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our time.

Who is the patron of the internet? Is there a patron of the internet?

In 1997, Pope John Paul II named Saint Isidore of Seville as the Patron of the Internet. A prominent historian and scholar of the sixth century, Isidore possessed extensive knowledge across various fields. In his writings he sought to collect, systematise and synthesise all existing knowledge.

There is a potential new candidate for the role of Patron of the Internet: Carlo Acutis. He effectively utilised modern technology to spread the message of the Gospel of Jesus. As a genuine millennial, Carlo Acutis embodies the spirit of his generation. The Church was set to celebrate the canonisation of the youngest saint on 27 April 2025, however due to the death of Pope Francis, the canonisation has been postponed.

Carlo Acutis was born in 1991, and his mother, Antonia, who is still living, recalls that prior to his birth, she had attended church only a few times. She attributes her return to faith to Carlo, who played a significant role in rekindling her connection to the Church. Eager to assist others, Carlo initiated a website dedicated to documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world, aiming to engage with fellow young Catholics. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 15 in October 2006, just a week after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, and he offered his suffering for the Pope and the Church.

For the first time in history, a saint depicted wearing jeans, sneakers, and a sweater, conveying a powerful message that holiness is accessible and relatable. Carlo represents a young person of our era, embodying the spirit of the internet age and serving as a contemporary model of holiness. His example demonstrates that holiness is within reach for teenagers today.

We, like Carlo, are encouraged to explore how new technologies can be harnessed for positive purposes, particularly in sharing the message of Jesus. While social media offers a valuable platform for connecting individuals, it frequently replaces genuine interpersonal relationships. In a manner similar to Carlo, we have the opportunity to enlighten others about global issues that may have previously gone unnoticed.

In the last five years, I have sought to use new technology to illustrate how Mary MacKillop exemplified the teachings of Jesus through brief ‘MacKa Moments‘. These short, candid videos, named after Mary MacKillop, highlight significant events in her life. Gradually, over the course of five years, more than 250 MacKa Moments have been produced and shared, aiming to inspire both young people and adults to connect with the life of Jesus through the inspiring example set by Mary MacKillop.

At times, new technologies have been misapplied, resulting in a lack of accountability. Let us remain motivated by the efforts of individuals such as Carlo Acutis, who continues to lead others to Christ.

Sr Rita Malavisi