I have been volunteering in youth ministry at my parish for several years now. I eventually became the de facto interior designer of “The Convent” where we host our youth group and faith formation classes. We provide an Xbox for the teens’ enjoyment, and I created a video game corner in one of our rooms. In my mind, I called it the “Carlo Acutis Corner,” knowing that he loved video games as much as our youth. I thought a poster of Carlo would be the perfect finishing touch–I would just go online and find one, I thought.
As I was sitting on the sofa one night, searching for posters on my laptop, I let out a sigh.
“What’s wrong?” my husband asked.
“I can’t find a Carlo Acutis poster I like.” I replied.
“Well, you’ll probably have to make one.” he said.
“I know.” I said, resignedly. I was mostly joking. I didn’t really want to do it. But a seed was planted.
It’s not that there isn’t some great Carlo artwork out there. It’s just that none of it communicated exactly what I wanted to say about Carlo and about the atmosphere we try to foster at The Convent. Above all, I wanted it to exude joy, inclusivity, and fun.
Every so often over the next few months, I’d search to see if any new art popped up online, but I still wasn’t satisfied. Then something happened. Pope Francis died suddenly, and Carlo’s canonization needed to be postponed. Something in me clicked. Or maybe snapped. And I don’t know if it was Pope Francis, or Carlo, or both, who were working on me, but a fire was lit.
“What if,” I thought, “I could do this, and I could do it in time for his new canonization date?”
“Carlo” is dedicated to the youth at Spirit of Hope Parish. A framed print hangs above the video gaming TV.
“Be a Carlo!”
Meaning
Carlo extends one of his hands outward, gesturing to invite the viewer in: in to the video game corner, in to friendship, in to faithfulness, in to holiness and sainthood.
In his other hand, Carlo holds a video game controller. This is a reminder that Carlo was a relatable, typical teen. Carlo used technology for good, to connect with others. Youth today can, too.
The backdrop of a leaded glass mimics the pattern of the convent’s front door.
The green color of the background is the same color as the walls in the room that houses the “Carlo Acutis Corner.”
Carlo’s infectious smile radiates the joy of being in Heaven. Who wouldn’t want the same?
Details
Size: 8″ x 10″
Medium: Watercolor on Paper
Completed: June 2025
Purchase Prints
Love this piece? Order a museum quality print today! Your art will be printed on heavyweight archival grade, acid-free fine art paper with the same texture as the original painting. The giclee print process with pigment inks will resist fading for 100+ years. Secure ordering through Etsy.