Antonia Salzano and Andrea Acutis. God’s Influencer: Holy Advice from St. Carlo Acutis. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2025. Paperback $17.95. 160 pages. Available from the publisher.
As a “saints’ geek,” who has read numerous volumes by or about some of the greatest souls in history, I must admit that while reading God’s Influencer: Holy Advice from St. Carlo Acutis. I was completely dumbfounded. I was in a state of absolute awe and wonder at what God can say and do through such a young soul when they open their heart to His grace.
Carlo Acutis, who will be canonized on April 27, 2025, is the first millennial saint. In this series of interviews with Carlo’s parents, they reveal his life and spirituality as never before.
Through powerful stories, those who knew Carlo recall his many virtues, from generosity and obedience, to purity and friendship; to fortitude and joy, humor, and optimism.
God’s Influencer also includes numerous never-before-seen excerpts from the personal writings of Carlo. As I read his precious words, which reflect the wisdom of a mystic and Doctor of the Church, I marveled that they were penned by someone who died at the age of fifteen.
Readers will find how as a small child Carlo fell in love with the Holy Eucharist and Our Lady. He hungered to receive the Bread of Life and, after receiving his first Holy Communion, went to Mass daily. Carlo made Holy Hours before the Blessed Sacrament before or after Mass. His passion, as seen in his personal interactions and tireless work to document the Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit, was to encourage others to attend daily Mass and spend time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration.
In these pages, his parents also share examples of the fruit of this devotion: Carlo sought to imitate St. Francis in serving the poor and bringing joy to each person that he met. When he was five and a half years old he gave all of the money in his piggy bank to “Work of St. Francis for the Poor.” As he grew older, Carlo frequently used his allowance to buy sleeping bags for the homeless; he also brought them food, even from his own plate, and sometimes assisted them in receiving medical care or finding a place to live.
Always, Carlo greeted those on the street when they passed by and expressed interest in them to help restore their sense of dignity as children of God. Following his death, people who never spoke to Carlo shared how much he touched their lives when he simply smiled at them as he walked by. Carlo also showed compassion for the lonely and those with disabilities; he stood up for children that were bullied.
Carlo’s life is a testament to his words that life is “a trampoline for eternity.” In this lens, he found — and helped others to find — hope and victory in the Risen Christ.
If this seems unattainable, have no fear. Carlo is, above all, someone who wants to be your friend. As he offered his friends on earth advice to help them grow closer to Christ and attain Heaven, in this work he also provides you with his “kit” for holiness, which include seven ways to help you become a saint.
“To always be united with Jesus, this is my plan for life,” said Carlo after his First Holy Communion. May he intercede for us, so that union with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist becomes our life plan too.
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