The Family Room (The Quest)
Join co-hosts Mari Cleveland from St. Jude the Apostle and John Gordon and Craig Wesemeyer from St. Peter Chanel as they speak with authors, theologians, and local priests and lay leaders to provide your family encouragement, resources, and hope. Enjoy heartfelt stories and engaging conversations with Catholics who are excited to share their life experiences and acquired wisdom to help your family continue to live out your faith with joy.
Jun 18, 2025
A Saint in Blue Jeans
Mary Beth Bracy, consecrated virgin, writer, and researcher
It’s rare to have parents spiritually schooled by their child and even rarer they’d live to see that child declared a saint. Yet, this is the legacy Carlo Acutis bestowed on his parents, Antonia Salzano and Andrea Acutis. Nominally Catholic, Antonia had only been to Mass three times in her life before Carlo drew her back. Both parents led successful lives as cultural Catholics in the city of Rome, never dreaming their only child would become the Church’s first millennial saint.
In the book, God’s Influencer: Holy Advice from Carlo Acutis, Antonia and Andrea share their spiritual journey with Father Giorgio Maria Carbone, a Dominican friar and priest. This interview candidly discloses the ways Carlo amazed his parents with a mature understanding of God. He also loved playing sports and video games, befriending everyone while also challenging them to live holy lives. Even as a young teen Carlo became a gifted catechist, teaching others a simple path to sainthood.
This saint in blue jeans died in 2006, just weeks after finding out he had leukemia. He was only 15 years old. Beatified in October 2020, his canonization was postponed in April due to the death of Pope Francis and has been rescheduled for September 7, 2025.
Biography: Mary Beth Bracy is a consecrated virgin of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, New York. She is a writer who is blessed to research, publish, and speak extensively on various aspects of Catholic spirituality. Mary Beth has written articles for numerous Catholic publications and recorded some Catholic talks.
Resources:
It’s rare to have parents spiritually schooled by their child and even rarer they’d live to see that child declared a saint. Yet, this is the legacy Carlo Acutis bestowed on his parents, Antonia Salzano and Andrea Acutis. Nominally Catholic, Antonia had only been to Mass three times in her life before Carlo drew her back. Both parents led successful lives as cultural Catholics in the city of Rome, never dreaming their only child would become the Church’s first millennial saint.
In the book, God’s Influencer: Holy Advice from Carlo Acutis, Antonia and Andrea share their spiritual journey with Father Giorgio Maria Carbone, a Dominican friar and priest. This interview candidly discloses the ways Carlo amazed his parents with a mature understanding of God. He also loved playing sports and video games, befriending everyone while also challenging them to live holy lives. Even as a young teen Carlo became a gifted catechist, teaching others a simple path to sainthood.
This saint in blue jeans died in 2006, just weeks after finding out he had leukemia. He was only 15 years old. Beatified in October 2020, his canonization was postponed in April due to the death of Pope Francis and has been rescheduled for September 7, 2025.
Biography: Mary Beth Bracy is a consecrated virgin of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, New York. She is a writer who is blessed to research, publish, and speak extensively on various aspects of Catholic spirituality. Mary Beth has written articles for numerous Catholic publications and recorded some Catholic talks.
Resources:
- God’s Influencer: Holy Advice from St. Carlo Acutis published by Sophia Institute Press
- Carlo Acutis' official website
- Carlo Acutis' official list of Eucharistic Miracles
- Mary Beth Bracy's blog, “The Little Way”, and books.
