“I am happy to die because I have lived my life without wasting a minute on those things that do not please God.” —Carlo Acutis
Born in London and raised in Milan, Carlo’s wealthy parents were not particularly religious. Upon receiving his first communion at age seven, Carlo became a frequent communicant, making a point of praying before the tabernacle before or after every Mass. In addition to Francis of Assisi, Carlo took several of the younger saints as his models, including Bernadette Soubirous, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, and Dominic Savio.
At school Carlo tried to comfort friends whose parents were undergoing divorce, as well as stepping in to defend disabled students from bullies. After school hours he volunteered his time with the city's homeless and destitute.
Considered a computer geek by some, Carlo spent four years creating a website dedicated to cataloguing every reported Eucharistic miracle around the world. He also enjoyed films, comics, soccer, and playing popular video games.
Diagnosed with leukemia, Carlo offered his sufferings to God for the intentions of the sitting pope—Benedict XVI—and the entire Church. His longtime desire to visit as many sites of Eucharistic miracles as possible was cut short by his illness. Carlo died in 2006 and was beatified in 2020.
Tropa ni Carlo Acutis (TNCA) is a Filipino Catholic group dedicated to honoring the legacy of Blessed Carlo Acutis and promoting his Cause for Canonization in the Philippines.
Established on May 14, 2015, with the blessing of Mama Antonia Salzano-Acutis, mother of Blessed Carlo, TNCA was formed to create an online community for her son's devotees in the country.
From its humble beginnings, the digital presence of Carlo Acutis in the Philippines grew significantly. Bro. Kent Rodriguez, the founder and administrator, worked tirelessly to connect with fellow devotees, including priests. TNCA's influence extended to various church organizations and campus ministries, which began to embrace then-Servant of God Carlo Acutis as their role model. The group received endorsements from notable figures such as Rev. Fr. Winston Cabading, an exorcist from the Archdiocese of Manila, and an executive of the University of Santo Tomas, leading to the establishment of a Tropa ni Carlo group at UST in 2016.
In 2020, following Carlo Acutis's beatification on October 12th, the group intensified its efforts. The beatification sparked widespread interest, and TNCA seized this opportunity to introduce Carlo to a broader Filipino audience. The page's following grew to nearly 15,000, attracting many aspiring devotees. That same year, with the growing devotion to Blessed Carlo in the Philippines, TNCA sought and received the blessing of Most Rev. Buenaventura Famadico, Bishop of the Diocese of San Pablo, to promote Carlo's cultus in Laguna. The group commissioned a Pilgrim Image of Carlo, which continues to visit various communities.
In 2021, a new online community, Friends of Blessed Carlo Acutis - Philippines (FBCAPh), emerged as the National Group. FBCAPh gained official endorsement from Most Rev. Dennis C. Villarojo, Bishop of Malolos, as its bishop-promoter.
Both groups have thrived, actively promoting devotion to Blessed Carlo by organizing tours featuring the Pilgrim Image and Relic of Blessed Carlo across Luzon and Visayas.
In 2024, Tropa ni Carlo Acutis reached out to the Proposed Parish of Blessed Carlo in Bauan, Batangas, the first parish in the Philippines dedicated to him, supporting their promotional and devotional needs.
As we anticipate the Canonization of Blessed Carlo this 2025, Tropa ni Carlo Acutis will also celebrate its 10th Anniversary. Today, we have reached various communities, including the islands of Mindoro, Romblon, and even Cebu. By land, sea, and air, Tropa ni Carlo Acutis continues to promote the life of Blessed Carlo and inspire people to love the Eucharist.
O God, Our Father, thank you for giving us Carlo, a life example for the young and a message of love for everyone.
You made him enamored with Your Son Jesus, making the Eucharist his 'Highway to Heaven' You gave him Mary, as a most loving Mother, and, with the Rosary, you made him a poet of her tenderness.
Receive his prayer for us. Above all, gaze upon the poor, whom he loved and helped. Grant for me too, by his intercession, the grace that I need (mention your intention)
And make our joy fulfilled, by placing Carlo among the Saints of your Church, so that his smile may shine again for us in the glory of your name. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be
Imprimatur + Domenico Sorrentino
Bishop of Assisi
Nocera Umbra
Gualdo Tadino