Remembering Benjamin: A Gentle Soul's Joy, Faith, and Heavenly Friendship with Saint Carlo Acutis

Benjamin Vo, a young man remembered for his gentle spirit, bright smile, and deep faith, continues to inspire those who knew him. His life, though brief, was a testament to the power of a heart open to God's grace, bearing abundant fruit through his love for his family and his kind nature. From an early age, Benjamin's boundless curiosity and brilliant mind were evident. He shared his father's ambition and intellect, constantly exploring complex subjects, from advanced mathematics to cutting-edge technology. Yet, beneath this sharp intellect was a soul of profound empathy, a quiet sensitivity that made him truly unique. His family cherishes countless memories. There’s the picture from April 2017, when a six-year-old Ben, bundled snugly in a bright green sleeping bag, flashed a big, happy grin inside a tent during a family camping adventure. His beanie on and hood pulled close, he looked completely cozy and full of joy. Another snapshot from August 2020 shows Ben with a sweet, bright smile over a hearty plate of spaghetti and meatballs at the kitchen counter, his neat buzz cut and gentle expression ready to dig into a delicious summer meal. Later that month, he lit up with joy next to his dad during a sunny summer meal by the water in Catalina Island. Sitting at a red-and-white checkered table full of pancakes, his dad relaxed with an arm comfortably around him, enjoying the breeze with harbor boats in the background. In April 2021, at ten years old, Ben stood tall in his white Vans shirt and backwards cap during a fun outing, posing playfully with his brother and his dad, all making peace signs in front of a giant dinosaur statue. Years later, in July 2024, at thirteen, he was on the water during a summer boat outing in Ha Long Bay, Ha Noi, looking cool in his red Angels hat and black t-shirt. With a gentle smile revealing his braces, he paused against the misty backdrop of scenic hills and passing boats. Just last year, in April 2025, Ben and his brother stood side-by-side in a vast, sunny plaza, posing in front of a magnificent historic tower during a memorable trip. Ben offered a bright, happy smile, braces shining, wearing a Lakers shirt and backpack. A few months later, in June 2025, he flashed a joyful, braces-filled smile, waving toward the camera during an outdoor 8th grade promotion ceremony. Dressed in a crisp white shirt with bright yellow and red leis, he stood proudly among his classmates holding his rolled diploma. The summer of 2025 brought more beautiful memories: a family selfie during a sunny summer trip, with Ben offering a bright, silver-braced smile as they sat down for an outdoor meal with bowls of noodle soup and drinks, alongside his younger brother, his mom, and his dad. Another peaceful moment captured him at a sun-dappled outdoor cafe in a Swiss mountain village, relaxing beneath a blue-and-white striped awning, offering a warm, easy smile showing his braces. Benjamin’s love for airplanes was a recurring theme in his life. One memory shows him standing tall alongside his brother and friends on a bright, clear day, enjoying an afternoon of plane watching, an airplane flying across the wide blue sky behind them. Another sweet, lighthearted moment at home depicts Ben smiling in his bright yellow shirt as a toy Lufthansa airplane "flies" right in front of the camera, with colorful foam blocks and small model planes resting nearby. A profound source of comfort for his family is Benjamin’s connection to Saint Carlo Acutis. Both faithful teenagers of the digital age, they were each called home at just fifteen. Benjamin's family believes they walk together now, two young souls united in heaven. Carlo, a boy from Milan, loved computers and the Eucharist, teaching himself to code to build a website cataloguing Eucharistic miracles. Benjamin, in his own words, was "just doing computers," building games, apps, aviation galleries, and even an imagined airline. The striking parallels in their lives – two boys who found God and computers, pouring their gifts into building things for others, and called home at the same tender age – are seen by many as the hand of God. Carlo once said the Eucharist was his "highway to Heaven." The hope is that Benjamin is safe with God now, a young soul among the young saints, with Carlo, who knew exactly what Benjamin experienced, walking beside him. This heavenly friendship brings immense solace and a sense of hope to those grieving. Benjamin’s life, a testament to an open heart and gentle spirit, continues to bear fruit in the lives of those who remember him. His memory serves as a reminder that even a young life, lived with an open heart, can yield an abundant harvest of love and goodness. Our show's hosts reflect on these cherished memories and the hope found in faith on the podcast.