When Carlo Acutis wrote that his life project was to be "always united with Jesus,” he wasn’t jotting down something nice-sounding for his journal.  It summed up his way of living, thinking, and feeling. He didn’t just want to  believe in God. He wanted to stay connected to Him like you need air to breathe. Always.  No breaks. Like a heartbeat.

But how do you do that?

Think of it like a power source: when you unplug it, everything shuts down. Carlo's connection with God wasn't abstract or theoretical. It was the most important relationship in his life, the source of his joy and peace.

It wasn't just emotional either. It was something he  worked on, built up,  and stayed faithful to.  Isn't that what you do with any goal?  If you want to be an astronaut or an artist,  you work at it.  Well, Carlo's main goal  was holiness. He wanted  to be with Jesus in everything.

Let's talk specifics

Carlo went to Mass every day, not just Sundays, because he knew that Jesus was waiting for him there. For Carlo, going to Mass wasn't a mere duty or just part of his routine. He went to meet his best Friend. And the more we receive Jesus, the more we become like Him.

When Carlo talked about Mary, he called her "the only Woman in my life."  And he talked to her every day in the Rosary, using the words of the  prayers to ask her for  big and small favours,  tell her he loved her, and  see Jesus' life up close, through her eyes.

He saw regular confession as maintenance for the soul, like a Formula 1 pit stop: you're not stepping out of the race; you're getting  help to keep going at full speed, free and  without any extra weight.

Food for thought:

Where is Jesus in my day? Do I talk to Him regularly, or only in emergencies? Do I try to stay connected to Him? How often am I unplugged? Why?

Set aside time for God.  Carlo said, “God speaks  in the silence of the heart.” Spend 5–10 minutes a day  in silence, even if the  only time you can find  is on the bus. No phone,  no headphones.  Just you and Him.

PRACTICAL TIPS connect with Jesus,  Carlo-style

Turn your phone into a chapel. Set an image of Jesus  or Mary as your wallpaper. Follow accounts that  inspire you. Read & watch stories that lift you up.  Use a prayer app.

PRACTICAL TIPS connect with Jesus,  Carlo-style

Plan 1 weekday Mass. Carlo knew that Mass is  where life really happens. Start with one Mass any day but Sunday a week, and see what happens.

PRACTICAL TIPS connect with Jesus,  Carlo-style

Invite Jesus into your small decisions. Before writing an exam, pouring a coffee, sending a text, or  walking into a meeting, say, "Jesus, come with me."

PRACTICAL TIPS connect with Jesus,  Carlo-style

Reconnect in confession. Has it been a while?  Don't wait to go back.  A clean heart picks up the divine signal more easily.

PRACTICAL TIPS connect with Jesus,  Carlo-style