Acclaimed Book by Carlo Acutis’s Parents Provides an Intimate Look at New Saint’s Holiness

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.

Known as an “Apostle of the Eucharist” and “the Patron saint of the Internet,” Carlo Acutis (1991 – 2006) — who will be canonized on April 27, 2025 — is this and so much more. As I read his parents’ new book, God’s Influencer: Holy Advice from St. Carlo Acutis, I was so floored by his spiritual depth that all I could think was: Carlo was a Thomas Aquinas in blue jeans!

“To always be united with Jesus, this is my plan for life,” said Carlo, following his First Holy Communion. And in these invaluable pages, readers will find out exactly how this fifteen year old opened his heart to God’s grace to become what many are calling the greatest saint of the century.

For instance, as a young child, Carlo began meditating on a biblical passage every day and sometimes wrote them down to try to live out what he learned. “For Carlo, plunging himself in God through recollection and prayer was like entering into Heaven through a door and sitting down at his place in Eternity,” shared his parents.

Above all, Carlo yearned for intimacy with Jesus, which he also desired for each person. Carlo spoke to our Eucharistic Lord heart to Heart, and believed that God hears us and responds.

Among Carlo’s other religious practices were going to Confession, at least weekly, and receiving spiritual direction. He enjoyed reading about the lives of the saints and sought to imitate them. Daily he prayed the Rosary, whether while walking, on the bus, or at home.

One of the greatest treasures in this book is that it contains actual passages from Carlo’s writings. This extraordinary young man, who loved sports, video games, and spending time with his friends, also displayed heroic virtue in his spiritual life and service to the poor, as well as befriending all those he met.

As you read passages from St. Carlo’s writings and counsels on the Gospels, Eucharist, and mysteries of our Faith, and maxims he shared, this millennial mystic will teach you how to embrace seven “special secrets” on becoming a saint. Moreover, you will learn how to fall in love with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and transmit the Faith spontaneously.

The Holy Eucharist was the Heart of Carlo’s life. Even while on vacation, he prioritized finding a Church to attend daily Mass and spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He used his genius in technology to create several exhibits, including his most famous that has traveled the globe: Eucharistic Miracles of the World. 

It seems providential that Carlo should be canonized during this Year of Hope and Year of Mission in the National Eucharistic Revival. He wrote, “If we wager everything on what is Beyond, if we base our existence on the Afterlife, then everything falls into place; everything finds balance; everything is rightly directed; everything takes on hope.” 

In God’s Influencer, through the testimonies of Carlo’s parents and those who knew him, you will find that many of his “miracles” involved bringing all those he encountered back to God by reflecting His love for each person. In these pages that reflect Carl’s joy and serenity, you will find that he is waiting to bring new hope to you.

Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of God's Influencer and/or to schedule an interview with their spokesperson.