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Blessed Carlo Acutis: Five Steps to Being a Saint
A beautiful new life of Carlo Acutis the IT enthusiast who died at just 15 years old but lived his life for Christ. The author introduces us to the five simple practices which helped to make Blessed Carlo Acutis the first Millennial Blessed. Richly illustrated with photographs of Blessed Carlo and with a great selection of his sayings this is an ideal introduction to a wonderful life.
“We make a choice in life: God or nothing. Blessed Carlo Acutis chose God – “Not I, but God” – in five simple practices. The Mass, Adoration, Confession and spiritual guidance, befriending the Blessed Mother and the saints, and charity. These daily “appointments” led Carlo to a life of intimacy with Jesus and love for neighbour ” – Cardinal Sarah
“We make a choice in life: God or nothing. Blessed Carlo Acutis chose God – “Not I, but God” – in five simple practices. The Mass, Adoration, Confession and spiritual guidance, befriending the Blessed Mother and the saints, and charity. These daily “appointments” led Carlo to a life of intimacy with Jesus and love for neighbour ” – Cardinal Sarah
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88 pages, Paperback
Published January 29, 2021
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April 5, 2021
A few years ago, I stumbled across the books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society quite by accident. I was researching an author I had run across, and was trying to track down all of her works. Soon I had a long list of books from the CTS on my Wishlist, and it seems that for everyone I read I end up with 1 or 2 more on my wish list. At the writing of this review I have read over 175 titles from the CTS over the last 3 years and currently have over 200 either in my ‘to be read’ pile or on my wish list still. I have read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series, and the Great Saints Series. Carlo Acutis is one of only two beati, Blesseds, who was born after I was. The other is Chiara Badano. Both are on their way to sainthood. I have encountered the name Carlo Acutis many times and was familiar with his story. The description of this booklet is:
“A beautiful new life of Carlo Acutis the IT enthusiast who died at just 15 years old but lived his life for Christ. The author introduces us to the five simple practices which helped to make Blessed Carlo Acutis the first Millennial Blessed. Richly illustrated with photographs of Blessed Carlo and with a great selection of his sayings this is an ideal introduction to a wonderful life.
“We make a choice in life: God or nothing. Blessed Carlo Acutis chose God – “Not I, but God” – in five simple practices. The Mass, Adoration, Confession and spiritual guidance, befriending the Blessed Mother and the saints, and charity. These daily “appointments” led Carlo to a life of intimacy with Jesus and love for neighbour ” – Cardinal Sarah.”
In the preface Bishop of Assisi Domenico Sorrentino states:
“I thank Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo for this truly beautiful, agile, and inspiring book. It is historically well documented. It is theologically profound. Here he offers us not only a biographical profile, but a “road map” of holiness in the footsteps of Carlo. We are not all called to the charismatic choices of Francis of Assisi, but we can all follow the simple way of Carlo. It takes nothing away of what makes life beautiful, but everything hinges on Jesus, in particular on the Eucharist, the “highway to heaven.””
And that is what you will find in this volume. A wonderful biography. And a plan with steps to help you grow in your own holiness. Matthew Kelly likes to use the phrase “Become the best version of yourself” because when he challenged people to become ‘saints’ they said they could not do that. But they would work at becoming the best version of themselves. Carlo challenged the people he knew, those early years of online evangelization. And he challenges us today. Further on in that preface it states:
“Carlo Acutis is an invitation. An invitation addressed to everyone, especially the young, not to waste life, but rather to make of it a masterpiece. Only God makes us capable of this. “Not I, but God”: this is the winning formula of the young Blessed. The only formula – to quote his own words – that makes us “original,” and not “photocopies.””
Pick up this book and give it a read. And be challenged. The chapters in the book are:
Preface
Opening Reflections
The Beginnings: Normal and Holy
Carlo’s Way to Sanctity: Five Simple Practices
Carlo’s Witness to the End and Beyond
Closing Reflections
Sayings of Blessed Carlo Acutis
Prayer to Blessed Carlo Acutis
After the preface is a photo of a young Carlo with the quote:
“You, too, can be a saint. But you need to want it with your whole heart, and, if you do not yet desire it, ask the Lord for it with insistence.”
And the beginning of the opening reflection states:
“How remarkable it is that, from such a young age, the desire of Carlo Acutis for himself and others was that we become saints! His short yet intense life of just fifteen years, spanning two centuries and crossing the threshold of the second millennium, shows how he fulfilled this desire for himself, and how he has provided a road map to holiness in our times for us all and for young people especially.”
We are shown how Carlo’s love for God, mary and the ssaints drew his own family and later others deeper in their faith:
“In past times, it was the parents who transmitted the faith to their children, as per the promises made in Baptism, but, in the Acutis family, the opposite occurred. His mother, moved by Carlo’s evident love and interest, spoke to a faith-filled, elderly friend for advice, who pointed her to a holy priest in Bologna, Father Ilio Carrai. He told Antonia to begin studying theology, which she did at the theological faculty in Milan, largely at the weekends when she was able to.”
Yes from a young age he has a passion for the tings of God. But it was also something he worked at and strived for.
“Finally, we need a road map. The life and witness of Blessed Carlo Acutis show us the way: “Always to be united with Jesus, this is my programme of life.” To live with Jesus, for Jesus and in Jesus is the simple and achievable roadmap that he sets out for us in five practices.”
The book then goes on to list and outline the practice of that fivefold path. Towards the end of the closing reflections is that same quote from the first picture of Carlo. This is then followed by a series of Carlo’s sayings. And a prayer.
This is a wonderful book. It will encourage and challenge any reader. I cannot wait to reread it with my own children. It was one of three new volumes from the Catholic Truth Society in February of 2021. They are all excellent. But as a father of four this was a very touching and moving read.
Another great read from the Catholic Truth Society, and excellent volume in the CTS Biographies Series.
CTS
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by from the Catholic Truth Society.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
“A beautiful new life of Carlo Acutis the IT enthusiast who died at just 15 years old but lived his life for Christ. The author introduces us to the five simple practices which helped to make Blessed Carlo Acutis the first Millennial Blessed. Richly illustrated with photographs of Blessed Carlo and with a great selection of his sayings this is an ideal introduction to a wonderful life.
“We make a choice in life: God or nothing. Blessed Carlo Acutis chose God – “Not I, but God” – in five simple practices. The Mass, Adoration, Confession and spiritual guidance, befriending the Blessed Mother and the saints, and charity. These daily “appointments” led Carlo to a life of intimacy with Jesus and love for neighbour ” – Cardinal Sarah.”
In the preface Bishop of Assisi Domenico Sorrentino states:
“I thank Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo for this truly beautiful, agile, and inspiring book. It is historically well documented. It is theologically profound. Here he offers us not only a biographical profile, but a “road map” of holiness in the footsteps of Carlo. We are not all called to the charismatic choices of Francis of Assisi, but we can all follow the simple way of Carlo. It takes nothing away of what makes life beautiful, but everything hinges on Jesus, in particular on the Eucharist, the “highway to heaven.””
And that is what you will find in this volume. A wonderful biography. And a plan with steps to help you grow in your own holiness. Matthew Kelly likes to use the phrase “Become the best version of yourself” because when he challenged people to become ‘saints’ they said they could not do that. But they would work at becoming the best version of themselves. Carlo challenged the people he knew, those early years of online evangelization. And he challenges us today. Further on in that preface it states:
“Carlo Acutis is an invitation. An invitation addressed to everyone, especially the young, not to waste life, but rather to make of it a masterpiece. Only God makes us capable of this. “Not I, but God”: this is the winning formula of the young Blessed. The only formula – to quote his own words – that makes us “original,” and not “photocopies.””
Pick up this book and give it a read. And be challenged. The chapters in the book are:
Preface
Opening Reflections
The Beginnings: Normal and Holy
Carlo’s Way to Sanctity: Five Simple Practices
Carlo’s Witness to the End and Beyond
Closing Reflections
Sayings of Blessed Carlo Acutis
Prayer to Blessed Carlo Acutis
After the preface is a photo of a young Carlo with the quote:
“You, too, can be a saint. But you need to want it with your whole heart, and, if you do not yet desire it, ask the Lord for it with insistence.”
And the beginning of the opening reflection states:
“How remarkable it is that, from such a young age, the desire of Carlo Acutis for himself and others was that we become saints! His short yet intense life of just fifteen years, spanning two centuries and crossing the threshold of the second millennium, shows how he fulfilled this desire for himself, and how he has provided a road map to holiness in our times for us all and for young people especially.”
We are shown how Carlo’s love for God, mary and the ssaints drew his own family and later others deeper in their faith:
“In past times, it was the parents who transmitted the faith to their children, as per the promises made in Baptism, but, in the Acutis family, the opposite occurred. His mother, moved by Carlo’s evident love and interest, spoke to a faith-filled, elderly friend for advice, who pointed her to a holy priest in Bologna, Father Ilio Carrai. He told Antonia to begin studying theology, which she did at the theological faculty in Milan, largely at the weekends when she was able to.”
Yes from a young age he has a passion for the tings of God. But it was also something he worked at and strived for.
“Finally, we need a road map. The life and witness of Blessed Carlo Acutis show us the way: “Always to be united with Jesus, this is my programme of life.” To live with Jesus, for Jesus and in Jesus is the simple and achievable roadmap that he sets out for us in five practices.”
The book then goes on to list and outline the practice of that fivefold path. Towards the end of the closing reflections is that same quote from the first picture of Carlo. This is then followed by a series of Carlo’s sayings. And a prayer.
This is a wonderful book. It will encourage and challenge any reader. I cannot wait to reread it with my own children. It was one of three new volumes from the Catholic Truth Society in February of 2021. They are all excellent. But as a father of four this was a very touching and moving read.
Another great read from the Catholic Truth Society, and excellent volume in the CTS Biographies Series.
CTS
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by from the Catholic Truth Society.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
September 26, 2025
In honor of Carlo Acutis being canonized as a saint, I've read this book about his life and his journey to heaven. And I gotta say, this is such an amazing book. The book explains 5 steps to being a saint, which is what Carlo Acutis used to do. As a Mexican-American Catholic myself, I always have a hard time being connected to my religion. So hopefully, these 5 steps will make my life better. Overall, this is such a great book, and I would recommend this book to anyone who adores this teenage saint.
St. Carlo Acutis, pray for us.
St. Carlo Acutis, pray for us.
April 11, 2021
On Saturday October 10, 2020, in the Upper Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, the Venerable Carlo Acutis was beatified, the second last step before canonization. Days prior to Bl. Carlo’s beatification, I kept seeing news stories of him on my Facebook news feed. I knew a little bit about who Carlo was prior to his beatification, but never bothered to read up much about him.
However, on Friday October 09, 2020 I was browsing YouTube and came across a livestream of Eucharistic Adoration of youth on the vigil of Carlo’s beatification. I had a bit of an idea about what was happening, though not much because the program was in Italian. Yet, there was still something that lingered with me about the Carlo. The next day, I was able to follow live up until the Gloria (so the Beatification rite, and presentation of the relic) since I was at work that day. However, when I got home, I watched the rest of the Mass (with English commentary).
That night of October 10, before going to sleep, I wanted to know more about who Carlo really was. I scrolled through Amazon to see if there were some English titles about him, and there was a free e-book, Carlo Acutis – Servant of God: Life Beyond the Border by Francesco Occhetta and I read it in its entirety. Upon completing it, I turned off my iPad with teary-eyed.
The story of Bl. Carlo Acutis is truly a remarkable one. If you want to read more about the life of Carlo, I suggest you go online and do a Google Search… you will be able to get much of his biographical details. However, what I was more excited after Carlo’s beatification was the fact that there was now a young model of holiness, close to my generation that I can relate to and ask for his intercession and I pray for the day of his canonization.
However, I think the reading of Bl. Carlo Acutis’ life is not complete without taking into consideration his simple spirituality. There are a good number of Italian publications about Carlo’s life and his spirituality, yet not many, if any titles in English until now, that speaks of his spirituality. It therefore and excitement for me to know in early 2021 that Mgr. Anthony Figueiredo, a monsignor currently serving in the Diocese of Assisi wrote Blessed Carlo Acutis – 5 Steps to Being a Saint and published by the Catholic Truth Society.
I was very excited the day my copy of the book came in the mail because this title is the first of its kind – that is, in terms of English publications on Bl. Carlo. It is a beautiful, high-quality publication. Don’t get yourself wrong – it is not a small, black and white biography of a saint. The book is colourful, with many quotes and photographs of Bl. Carlo Acutis. I think this is important because it brings his spirituality alive.
Yet, what is this spirituality of Bl. Carlo? Right from the start of the book, Mgr. Figueiredo made it a point that Carlo was a very normal young man. For me and for many young people, Carlo is someone who you can picture walking down the street with a sweater and jeans. Yet, what was extraordinary in this ordinary young man was his holiness and how he constantly strived towards it in the setting that he was living in. He was able to be holy, while maintaining his hobbies and pastimes that made him original. Based on Carlo’s life, Mgr. Figueiredo presents the reader five steps to holiness:
1. Frequent reception of the Eucharist
2. Eucharistic adoration
3. Guidance of a spiritual father and regular Confession
4. Devotion to the Blessed Mother through recitation of the Rosary and discovering the lives of the saints
5. Acts of charity, small or large
Now, don’t think you read this list on my review here and think, “That’s it! I don’t need to purchase the book!” Well no. If you just read this list above, you are missing out on a lot of the “meat” of the book. Even though the book is only 86 pages, Mgr. Figueiredo really frames these five practices in very practical terms in the context of Carlo’s life.
In our lives, we often make excuses for our busyness to justify our lack of practicing these five steps to holiness. Or for some, Catholic piety and holiness can be achieved on the surface: “I’m good – I go to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. I confess once a year.” While such an observance is fine, I would think Catholicism then would only be something on the side, and not really a challenge or a striving because such a spiritual life would be too shallow.
Mgr. Figueiredo challenges his readers to go beyond a textbook Catholicism so to really develop a relationship with Jesus in our daily lives. That is what I think I was missing in my spiritual life prior to Carlo’s beatification. While I participated in youth groups, altar serving, choir… all sorts of ministries in the parish, what I lacked was a deeper spiritual life like that of Carlo. To put it in Venerable Cardinal Van Thuận’s terms, I seemed to care more about the work of God, rather than God Himself. Carlo strived to live, “Non io ma Dio – Not I but God.” He wanted to truly have a close relationship with Jesus, with Mary and saints because he knew his priorities, he knew what was the most important. Yet, that never meant that he had to give up his computer programming skills, nor his love for Pokémon, games or friends. That is what makes this young man so admirable – he was able to be that normal guy down the street, while being a saint. The “5 steps to being a saint” that Mgr. Figueiredo proposes are not difficult. Like any relationship, these five steps require commitment to make Jesus at the centre of your life.
A section that I love and appreciate about this book is, “Sayings of Blessed Carlo Acutis.” For months, I have been striving to get a collection of Carlo Acutis’ quotes because they are so simple, but knocks on the heart. Carlo seemed to like to use analogies and honestly, these quotes stick with you. Consider this, “Holiness is not the process of adding, but subtracting: less of me to leave more space for God.” Or, “The Rosary is the shortest ladder to heaven.” These are just two of a wide selection of quotes that I dare say: for the first time, compiled and translated into English in one place.
At the end of the book, all I can say is, “Thank you Mgr. Figueiredo. Thank you Carlo. Thank you God.” I completed the book in one sitting and still continue to refer to the book, re-reading parts of it because Carlo makes holiness so “attractive,” not in the earthly sense, but “attractive” because there is something so much more to holiness that worldly things cannot offer. That is, in striving for holiness, we become saints and sainthood is our goal because in sanctity, we encounter God Himself.
This book should get into the hands of as many youth and young adults as possible because Carlo’s spirituality is indeed a spirituality for everyone, and particularly young people like myself today. Hopefully there will be many, many more english titles about Bl. Carlo Acutis in the future because Carlo’s life and spirituality is one that touches that of young people of the millennial generation because Carlo himself was a teenager of the millennial generation.
However, on Friday October 09, 2020 I was browsing YouTube and came across a livestream of Eucharistic Adoration of youth on the vigil of Carlo’s beatification. I had a bit of an idea about what was happening, though not much because the program was in Italian. Yet, there was still something that lingered with me about the Carlo. The next day, I was able to follow live up until the Gloria (so the Beatification rite, and presentation of the relic) since I was at work that day. However, when I got home, I watched the rest of the Mass (with English commentary).
That night of October 10, before going to sleep, I wanted to know more about who Carlo really was. I scrolled through Amazon to see if there were some English titles about him, and there was a free e-book, Carlo Acutis – Servant of God: Life Beyond the Border by Francesco Occhetta and I read it in its entirety. Upon completing it, I turned off my iPad with teary-eyed.
The story of Bl. Carlo Acutis is truly a remarkable one. If you want to read more about the life of Carlo, I suggest you go online and do a Google Search… you will be able to get much of his biographical details. However, what I was more excited after Carlo’s beatification was the fact that there was now a young model of holiness, close to my generation that I can relate to and ask for his intercession and I pray for the day of his canonization.
However, I think the reading of Bl. Carlo Acutis’ life is not complete without taking into consideration his simple spirituality. There are a good number of Italian publications about Carlo’s life and his spirituality, yet not many, if any titles in English until now, that speaks of his spirituality. It therefore and excitement for me to know in early 2021 that Mgr. Anthony Figueiredo, a monsignor currently serving in the Diocese of Assisi wrote Blessed Carlo Acutis – 5 Steps to Being a Saint and published by the Catholic Truth Society.
I was very excited the day my copy of the book came in the mail because this title is the first of its kind – that is, in terms of English publications on Bl. Carlo. It is a beautiful, high-quality publication. Don’t get yourself wrong – it is not a small, black and white biography of a saint. The book is colourful, with many quotes and photographs of Bl. Carlo Acutis. I think this is important because it brings his spirituality alive.
Yet, what is this spirituality of Bl. Carlo? Right from the start of the book, Mgr. Figueiredo made it a point that Carlo was a very normal young man. For me and for many young people, Carlo is someone who you can picture walking down the street with a sweater and jeans. Yet, what was extraordinary in this ordinary young man was his holiness and how he constantly strived towards it in the setting that he was living in. He was able to be holy, while maintaining his hobbies and pastimes that made him original. Based on Carlo’s life, Mgr. Figueiredo presents the reader five steps to holiness:
1. Frequent reception of the Eucharist
2. Eucharistic adoration
3. Guidance of a spiritual father and regular Confession
4. Devotion to the Blessed Mother through recitation of the Rosary and discovering the lives of the saints
5. Acts of charity, small or large
Now, don’t think you read this list on my review here and think, “That’s it! I don’t need to purchase the book!” Well no. If you just read this list above, you are missing out on a lot of the “meat” of the book. Even though the book is only 86 pages, Mgr. Figueiredo really frames these five practices in very practical terms in the context of Carlo’s life.
In our lives, we often make excuses for our busyness to justify our lack of practicing these five steps to holiness. Or for some, Catholic piety and holiness can be achieved on the surface: “I’m good – I go to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. I confess once a year.” While such an observance is fine, I would think Catholicism then would only be something on the side, and not really a challenge or a striving because such a spiritual life would be too shallow.
Mgr. Figueiredo challenges his readers to go beyond a textbook Catholicism so to really develop a relationship with Jesus in our daily lives. That is what I think I was missing in my spiritual life prior to Carlo’s beatification. While I participated in youth groups, altar serving, choir… all sorts of ministries in the parish, what I lacked was a deeper spiritual life like that of Carlo. To put it in Venerable Cardinal Van Thuận’s terms, I seemed to care more about the work of God, rather than God Himself. Carlo strived to live, “Non io ma Dio – Not I but God.” He wanted to truly have a close relationship with Jesus, with Mary and saints because he knew his priorities, he knew what was the most important. Yet, that never meant that he had to give up his computer programming skills, nor his love for Pokémon, games or friends. That is what makes this young man so admirable – he was able to be that normal guy down the street, while being a saint. The “5 steps to being a saint” that Mgr. Figueiredo proposes are not difficult. Like any relationship, these five steps require commitment to make Jesus at the centre of your life.
A section that I love and appreciate about this book is, “Sayings of Blessed Carlo Acutis.” For months, I have been striving to get a collection of Carlo Acutis’ quotes because they are so simple, but knocks on the heart. Carlo seemed to like to use analogies and honestly, these quotes stick with you. Consider this, “Holiness is not the process of adding, but subtracting: less of me to leave more space for God.” Or, “The Rosary is the shortest ladder to heaven.” These are just two of a wide selection of quotes that I dare say: for the first time, compiled and translated into English in one place.
At the end of the book, all I can say is, “Thank you Mgr. Figueiredo. Thank you Carlo. Thank you God.” I completed the book in one sitting and still continue to refer to the book, re-reading parts of it because Carlo makes holiness so “attractive,” not in the earthly sense, but “attractive” because there is something so much more to holiness that worldly things cannot offer. That is, in striving for holiness, we become saints and sainthood is our goal because in sanctity, we encounter God Himself.
This book should get into the hands of as many youth and young adults as possible because Carlo’s spirituality is indeed a spirituality for everyone, and particularly young people like myself today. Hopefully there will be many, many more english titles about Bl. Carlo Acutis in the future because Carlo’s life and spirituality is one that touches that of young people of the millennial generation because Carlo himself was a teenager of the millennial generation.
May 20, 2025
“You too can be a Saint. But you need to want it with your whole heart and if you do not yet desire it, ask the Lord for it with insistence.” - Saint Carlo Acutis
Saint Carlo Acutis has left us a wonderful roadmap to sanctity, holiness and Sainthood. For anyone who doesn’t know where to start with their journey towards Sainthood; I highly recommend reading this book. It can help you incorporate holy habits that will lead you to Sainthood.
Saint Carlo Acutis has left us a wonderful roadmap to sanctity, holiness and Sainthood. For anyone who doesn’t know where to start with their journey towards Sainthood; I highly recommend reading this book. It can help you incorporate holy habits that will lead you to Sainthood.
July 27, 2021
A quick little book about a modern saint. The 5 steps are nothing new to serious Catholics, but I loved hearing more about Carlo and reading his quotes. The story of the miracle healing of a Brazilian boy that made him a blessed brought tears to my eyes.
May 2, 2021
What an example for us all!
If only young people could learn about the life and lifestyle of this normal teenager to encourage them imitate him.
If only young people could learn about the life and lifestyle of this normal teenager to encourage them imitate him.
December 19, 2021
Fantastic book, such an inspiring story, a new favourite saint!
January 30, 2022
A beautiful insight into Blessed Carlo Acutis path to holiness and hopefully some day soon sainthood.
February 1, 2022
A beautiful book about a beautiful boy
Essential reading to anyone wants to be a saint!
Essential reading to anyone wants to be a saint!
January 27, 2024
An amazing account of the life of an inspiration wise beyond his years with his steps to sainthood, something everyone is called to.
October 14, 2024
“God has written for each one of us a unique and unrepeatable story, but he has left us the freedom to write the ending.”
January 24, 2025
A really good read and felt inspired by it.
March 4, 2025
Wonderful biography of an amazing saint. Quick read.
July 3, 2025
What a great little book! Definitely made me reflect on my spiritual life and I got to know Bl. Carlo more. I highly recommend!
Bl. Carlo Acutis, pray for us!
Bl. Carlo Acutis, pray for us!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews