Homily by Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi
Carlo Acutis never played in the World Cup, never won a gold medal, and yet he has become a great inspiration for millions of young people. He was born in England, but spent most of his life in Italy. He died in 2006 at the age of only 15. On 7 September 2025, he was declared saint by the Church – the first millennial saint – because of his extraordinary love for Jesus, especially in the Eucharist, and the way he lived his life with joy and purpose.
Even though Carlo was not an athlete, he lived his short life with passion and purpose. And guess what? The values that guided him are the same core values that inspire you at the Mediterranean College of Sport. Let us reflect together on these core values: ambition and passion; resilience and tenacity; humility and respect; creativity and teamwork.
Ambition and Passion
Every athlete dreams big – lifting a trophy, breaking a record, winning the big match. Carlo also had ambition, but his goal was higher: Heaven. His passion was Jesus.
For you, ambition and passion mean training hard, giving your very best in sport and in studies, not giving up. Carlo reminds us: do all this with great enthusiasm, seek excellence, and direct your ambition towards what truly lasts: to love God and to love others. Just as a runner fixes his gaze on the finishing line, so Carlo fixed his gaze on Heaven.
His advice to us: while working hard and showing relentless effort, aim for a crown that lasts forever. Play every game of life with your eyes on the highest goal, on the greatest prize.
Resilience and Tenacity
Carlo was not spared difficulties. He lost his father early in life and suffered from leukemia in his final days. Yet he remained serene. He united his pain to the suffering of Jesus, offering it for others. That is resilience. That is tenacity.
In sport, you know well what it means to lose, to get injured, to fail. But the real champions aren’t the ones who never fail; they are those who rise after every fall, who bounce back after any setback. Carlo reminds us: “All people are born originals, but many die as photocopies”. Don’t let defeat copy you into discouragement. Instead, be original – never give up, learn from your challenges, try again, and grow stronger in spirit.
Humility and Respect
Carlo was smart, popular, but also humble. Despite his expertise in computers, he was never arrogant. He treated everyone with kindness – friends, the poor, even strangers. He respected people because he saw in them the face of Christ.
In sport too, humility is crucial. Respecting opponents, listening to your coach, cheering for teammates – these actions show true greatness, which is not just about winning, but about showing respect at every step. Remember: the best players are not only those who score the goals, but especially those who respect the rules, and the dignity of others, and in so doing, build many positive relationships. Carlo shows us that humility is not weakness but strength under control.
Creativity and Teamwork
Carlo loved technology. He built a website to catalogue Eucharistic miracles around the world. This was his way of being creative and innovative, and putting his talents at the service of others. That is why it is so appropriate that the computer room of the College will be named after him.
In sports, creativity allows you to think outside the box, to surprise your opponent, to discover new strategies. But creativity shines brightest in teamwork. Just as no one wins a match alone, Carlo never lived his faith in isolation. He encouraged his friends, shared his joy, inspired others to follow Christ, and built community.
Be Champions of Life
So, what’s the important message today? Carlo gives us this advice: seek excellence, do your best to unlock and fulfil your potential. But always remember: sport is about who you become; it’s about shaping your character.
Carlo shows us that the values of sport – ambition and passion, resilience and tenacity, humility and respect, and creativity combined with teamwork – are at the heart of living our faith. Faith helps us to go to the source of these values, to the Lord who will give us the strength we need to live these values.
Carlo Acutis once said: “The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven”. It was the source of his spiritual life. This is what we are celebrating together today – the Eucharist. May you, like Carlo, discover in Jesus the original, great influencer who gives you strength to become not only champions on the field, but also champions of life.
✠ Joseph Galea-Curmi
Auxiliary Bishop of Malta
