Just weeks before his canonization, a new bronze sculpture of Blessed Carlo Acutis — dubbed “the saint of the millennials” — was installed Aug. 15 in a church garden near his final resting place in Assisi, Italy.
The sculpture, titled “St. Carlo at the Cross,” is the work of Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz, known for pieces like “Homeless Jesus” and “Angels Unawares,” according to an Aug. 21 press release.
Installed at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, within the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, the sculpture portrays Acutis kneeling prayerfully before the crucified Christ.
The statue reflects Carlo’s deep Eucharistic devotion and digital evangelism. In his hands rests a laptop bearing the image of a chalice and paten — symbols of his famed cataloging of Eucharistic miracles online. A sling hanging from his backpack evokes the biblical David: a youthful warrior facing the Goliath of secularism, armed not with stones but with digital tools and faith.
Held on the Solemnity of the Assumption, the blessing ceremony included a Rosary led by Bishop Domenico Sorrentino of the dioceses of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino and Foligno and Father Marco Gaballo, the rector of the sanctuary.
Photo: Diocese of Assisi
The bishop urged everyone “to pray and to welcome with joy the great miracle of faith and devotion” and invited the faithful to spiritually prepare for Acutis’ upcoming canonization Sept. 7 in Rome.
Schmalz, who gifted the sculpture to the city, said his hope is to contribute not just to the Church’s artistic heritage but also to its spiritual formation.
“As we add new figures to the army of Catholic saints,” he said, “we also add new works of art; both enrich our heritage and deepen our understanding of the faith.”
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