I can’t remember learning about Carlo, the millennial to-be saint, for the first time. When he was just a baby, I took my now approaching four year old son to view a relic of Carlo at my neighborhood parish. We waited in line for what seemed like a pilgrimage in its on rite. There were posters lining the walls: some detailed Carlo’s work, which was documenting eucharist miracles around the world; and some detailed personal facts and antidotes about Carlo. I was intrigued to learn about this his love of God and love of the Eucharist. Maybe it was then that I learned that I was born the same year as Carlo. Upon realizing that, the idea of standing on the shoulders of the Saints became a clear and possible image. Although Carlo died at the tender age of 15, I imagined that we may have experienced similar scenarios in history and culture. Trusting in God’s perfect love and mercy, how could Carlo help me live my vocation as a wife and mother through his intercession to God on my behalf? How could he inspire me and my family by learning about his life?
I wanted my children to know Carlo, too. Because I love, learn from, and absolutely adore moms, who better to ask about his life than his mom? I played this video, an interview with Carlo’s very own mother, for us to watch. My children, nine and under, were fascinated that Carlo’s mother was speaking and that it was actually possible that we could one day meet her, in the realm of possibilities. Before the video played, I passed out the coloring pages I had drawn and gave access to our giant basket of colors. Antonia Salzano Acutis shared her son’s life in a humble and captivating way, and we were all intrigued with her story…and busy with coloring. The medical miracles and conversions attributed to Carlo’s intercession to God were inspiring. As my children colored, they were able to listen deeply.
I hope this free Carlo Acutis coloring page will give your children the same opportunity to use not only their eyes and ears, but also their hands to seek to understand the beautiful examples God has placed on earth for us to follow so that we might draw closer to Him.
My friends have put together a beautiful novena, which is a nine day prayer to God, based on the life and mission of Carlo to pray as a family. Soon, there will be an audio version available so that non-readers can participate, too. The intention is to pray this novena in the car, where everyone is a captive audience. The novena may also be held so that young and old alike can follow along and use more of themselves to enter into this mystery of having a conversation with the God who created us.
Enjoy and God bless you! Blessed Carlo Acutis, pray for us.