Blessed Carlo Acutis: A Saint in Sneakers

by Courtney Mares

How does a city boy who only lived to the age of fifteen "go viral" more than a decade after he died? Discover the story of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial to be beatified by the Catholic Church. Born in 1991, the same year as the launch of the World Wide Web, Carlo has been hailed by the pope as an example of love and holiness in our complex digital age. This tech-savvy Italian teen has shown the world that computer coding and video games are no obstacle to sainthood. From a young age, Carlo's enthusiasm for Jesus was contagious. His witness brought his own family back to faith and even helped convert his Hindu au pair to Catholicism. Carlo called the Eucharist "my highway to heaven" and was eager to tell everyone about the incredible reality of Christ's true presence in the world. To this end, he used his computer to help design an exhibition dedicated to eucharistic miracles that has traversed the globe. Vatican journalist Courtney Mares has traveled in the footsteps of Acutis across Italy to tell his story in depth, interviewing many whose lives he helped transform. This book paints a portrait of him as seen through the eyes of his friends, family, teachers, priests, doctors, classmates, and followers. Features an eight-page color photo insert and an account of the miracles attributed to Acutis' intercession, including one certified by the Vatican. Carlo sought no attention for himself while alive, yet in the years after his death, he has become a global "influencer for God".

Genres: Christian, Catholic, Religion

185 pages, Paperback

Published May 30, 2023

Reviews

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have been very interested in this young man’s path to Sainthood. Courtney Mares gives the reader pretty basic information about Carlo’s childhood and his undying love for God, the rosary, the mass and more importantly, his love for the Eucharist, which as he said “the Eucharist is the highway to Heaven”. Amen.

A quote from Carlo “ you cannot see God. But He sees you, and He knows how much you suffer. He protects you, and He will always be beside you to protect you. And He will give you signs to let you know that He is there. God is there for everyone. If you open your heart to Him, He will show you the way.” Amen.

[June McIntosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars for the book - five stars for Carlo!

[Eduardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think we got this book when the Eucharistic miracle exhibit came to our church? It’s a fairly new addition to our library.

I like reading biographies of saints. They’re encouraging. And I think Carlo Acutis is especially encouraging in the modern age. There’s a tendency to dismiss the stories of saints with the notion of, “Well, that was a long time ago, things are different now, you can’t expect people to strive towards sainthood.” And, A.) human nature has not changed as much as you think, and B.), here’s a kid who worked hard towards those ideals in the modern world.

And it’s not like he was living completely separated from the modern world! The kid loved video games and dressing up as superheroes! He was apparently such a computer wiz that he fixed problems that adults around him couldn’t, and taught people he knew how to code. Then he set up a website to document miracles.

Carlo Acutis appears to have been The Man? Could talk theology, teaching computer coding, rock at video games, while also spending time giving money to the poor?

This book does feel at times like it was written for teenagers, though? I don’t think that’s a problem, per se, as I guess that would be a good audience to aim this at. I just thought it was a bit strange that there’s a section early on that said something like, “Back in the 90’s, they didn’t have social media! Kids actually had to go DO stuff!” Which, like, yeah. I know. I was there. And I figured most readers would. I don’t know, though, can the Youth imagine life without social media, or when the Internet wasn’t owned by like four companies?

Either way, it’s overall very good, with accounts, quotations, and photos from people Acutis knew in his earthly life. It was written before it was announced that he’d be upgraded from ‘beatified’ to ‘saint’, so I wonder if the book will get a new edition? Or will there just be a more updated biography by another author?

Also, you guys know that this means there’s a Gamecube out there that’s a relic? Just saying.

[Ollie Wanjohi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed Carlo Acutis: A Saint in Sneakers

Grade: A

This biography was amazing. 

When I heard there was a biography on the first millennial Saint, I knew it was an opportunity to learn more about how to live a holier life and about the Catholic faith.

Carlo was an incredible individual, who had an immensely positive impact on those around him, and I never thought I’d have so many lessons to learn from a boy who died at 15 years old (guess there’s a reason he became the first ‘Saint in Sneakers’)

Im grateful for this book because it inspired me to live a holier life than I do currently, deepened my knowledge on Catholicism, and taught me more about the process that takes place in order to become a Saint.

Carlo’s life also proved that it’s still possible to live a truly holy life in this digital & distracted world that has heavily distorted the truth and the way of God.

I have nothing bad to say about this book, except thank you Carlo Acutis.

[FR ADRIAN G HEAD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible, inspiring and encouraging.

Carlo once said that we are all born ORIGINALS but many die as PHOTOCOPIES. He meant that so many try to be like their idols, instead of being what they are in themselves with their true talents and qualities. He was so real as a teenager yet completely committed. His story is a powerful influence for the young…..and even for the not so young.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned a lot about the Catholic Church’s procedures toward sainthood. An inspiring young man formed in the age of computer programming. Keeping his focus on Jesus in the Eucharist and in the lives of the saints. His viral influence affected and will continue to inspire his generation into the future. Blessed today and Saint Carlo Acutis in the future, his spirit will continue to heal and inspire.

[Peter Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved learning about Blessed Carlo Acutis, and this book is a great introduction to him and his story. I felt inspired reading about his life, interests, charity towards others, and passion for pursuing holiness through Eucharistic devotion. The book is well documented and I look forward to further reading about Bl. Carlo. The author is an accomplished journalist based in Rome and I appreciate that she had access to many people who knew Bl. Carlo. Because of this, however, the style of writing tends to be more journalistic than prose so the reader should keep that in mind when reading.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. It was filled with tons of great facts and quotes. To be fair, though, I knew I was going to love this it, because I actually wanted Carlo Acutis to be my confirmation saint. Unfortunately, my parish said only canonized saints, which I just learned a couple of days ago that soon Blessed Carlo will be Saint Carlo.

[Anne Kearns · Rating 4 out of 5]

really inspiring story but i didn’t really like the way it was written, it was a little repetitive/boring at parts
got from our lady of peace oratory as a gift
makes me want to read more lives of the saints!

[Casey Papp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally could not put this book down. It was truly phenomenal and a quick and easy read to get to know this very soon to be saint! Beautifully written and truly a beautiful story! I love finding books in which I can find new ways to relate to saints.

[Laura M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good into to his life, easy read, with many details. Makes me want to learn more about this blessed.

[Amy Roelant]

Well documented story about someone with traits we could all follow.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read, well written, and inspiring!

[William F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book about a remarkable hero for our day

Carlo Acutis is a hero for all people, especially the young, who need a model of giving God glory while living a normal life.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that deepened my relationship and devotion to Bessed Carlo!

[Krista Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carlo Acutis, pray for me.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for OLR book club. Really love learning about him, and this book gave a lot more info about his life than the recent movie we saw in the theater. Such a great saint

[Dakota Gates · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can tell this book was written in haste, but it is a great, fast-paced, easy to read book with general information and background to get to know Carlo.

[Sophia Olivarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so amazing that he will become a saint next year! He is such an inspiration to everyone! He is a miracle! It was beautiful to learn about his life