Episode 162: Mary Beth Bracy on God’s Influencer: Holy Advice from St. Carlo Acutis (April 23, 2025)

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Mary Beth Bracy on Antonia Salzano and Andrea Acutis' book God’s Influencer: Holy Advice from St. Carlo Acutis.

He played video games, excelled athletically and academically, manifested contagious joy and wit — even in suffering — and befriended all those he met. St. Carlo Acutis (1991–2006), already hailed “the greatest saint of the century,” was a Thomas Aquinas in blue jeans.

It’s almost unheard of that parents take part in the beatification of their own child. So, too, is it uncommon for parents to miraculously be brought back to the Faith and dedicated Christian living by their child. All this happened in the lives of Antonia and Andrea, the young parents of Carlo, who was beatified on October 10, 2020, by Pope Francis and, had it not been for Pope Francis' death, would have been canonized on April 27, 2025. 

In this astounding interview, you will marvel as Antonia and Andrea retrace the path they walked with Carlo and share fascinating moments in his life in which his faith matured, including the plan of life that he developed for himself on the day after his First Holy Communion. Reading these intimate stories, you will be struck by how very ordinary their life together was, how common and within reach, and how extraordinary it became once this amazing young man threw his arms open wide to God in his life.

As you read remarkably penetrating passages from St. Carlo’s writings and counsels on the Gospels, the Eucharist, and the mysteries of our Faith, and maxims he shared, this millennial mystic will teach you how to: 

• Embrace seven “special secrets” on becoming a saint
• Fall in love with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and transmit the Faith spontaneously to others
• Make fruitful Confessions and kindle your spiritual progress in daily practical ways
• Evangelize the culture by “Rendering Eucharist” using modern media and personal witness
• Adore the Eucharist for the transformation of the world and live in “constant intimacy with Jesus”
• Model forgotten virtues, such as friendship, magnanimity, purity, and fortitude

Few may realize that St. Carlo was a brilliant catechist who also created numerous displays about the Faith, most notably the Eucharistic Miracles exhibition of worldwide fame. Through the lens of his spiritual wisdom, you will discover how all of creation points to the Holy Eucharist and why the Real Presence is the source of all family life, evangelization, and holiness. Additionally, you will read testimonies about St. Carlo’s generosity to the poor, the sick, the suffering, the homeless, and the disabled. This saint for our times was concerned and offered prayers for the salvation of all.

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