Antonia Salzano Shares Journey from Non-belief to Mother of a Saint

Patience may not come easily to everyone, but for Antonia Salzano, the mother of Carlo Acutis, it was a virtue nurtured by her son. As the world prepares for Carlo’s canonization by Pope Francis, he is poised to become recognized as the first-ever millennial saint.

However, Antonia’s spiritual journey was far from straightforward. She recently revealed her profound transformation to a news outlet, stating that she once felt largely disconnected from the church due to her upbringing in a non-religious environment. Attending Catholic school was merely a logistical decision for her, often missing the essence of the religious experiences that would shape her son’s life.

The only times Antonia had entered a church prior to Carlo’s spiritual awakening were dictated by the need to complete school-related sacraments. She viewed these rituals as mere academic requirements rather than significant spiritual milestones.

A Defining Prediction

Everything changed when Carlo was just five years old. A revered priest from Bologna recognized a unique quality within the young boy. He predicted that Carlo would grow up to be someone truly special. Struck by this revelation, Antonia began a journey that would forever alter her understanding of faith.

She reflected on that transformative moment, emphasizing Carlo’s profound impact on her life by saying, “Carlo, for me, was a savior. He was a mystic.” As they delved deeper into spirituality together, Antonia found herself developing a strong connection to her faith, spurred by Carlo’s passion for theology and daily Mass attendance.

A Message from Beyond

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Carlo passed away at the age of 15. However, he continued to communicate with his mother even after his death. Antonia vividly recalls a dream in which Carlo announced his future canonization, reassuring her that a miracle would affirm his divine connection.

This prophetic moment became more than just a dream for Antonia. It marked a new beginning for her, culminating in Carlo’s impending canonization scheduled for April 27, 2025.

Embracing New Life

Years after Carlo’s tragic passing from leukemia in 2006, Antonia encountered yet another miracle. Struggling with the loss and her hopes to bear children, she turned to adoption. Just when despair threatened to engulf her, she dreamt of Carlo, who assured her that she would again become a mother.

A month later, Antonia discovered she was pregnant with twins, Francesca and Michele. Their due date fell on the anniversary of Carlo’s death, a poignant reminder of her son’s enduring influence.

Carlo’s Mission of Faith

Born into a technological age, Carlo understood the power of well-placed faith teachings. Before embracing the internet, he dedicated his childhood to charitable acts, demonstrating his compassionate nature in a Milan neighborhood, where he offered help to the homeless.

Antonia echoed the wisdom of Mother Teresa, who stated that community compassion begins at home. Carlo revealed his own ‘Calcutta’ within the city by recognizing that nurturing the soul can be just as essential as providing for physical needs.

Harnessing Technology for Good

As he grew, Carlo became adept at using technology to share his faith. He built websites documenting Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions, which Antonia referred to as “the light side of the internet.”

Antonia acknowledged the duality of the digital landscape, recognizing that while the internet offers a pathway to goodness, it also poses significant dangers, especially to vulnerable youth. These complexities are explored in the new documentary titled “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality,” featuring Antonia’s insights. This film examines the social ramifications of technology through the lens of a Catholic pilgrimage to Carlo’s tomb.

Carlo’s Legacy in the Digital Age

As discussions surrounding Carlo’s influence extend into the public sphere, he has been dubbed various names, including “God’s Influencer” and “The Patron Saint of the Internet.” Antonia expressed pride in her son’s ability to resonate with today’s youth, stating, “He understood there was a lack of faith. He connected deeply with people and challenged society to reflect on their values.

Carlo observed the crowds in front of concerts and sporting events and wondered why they did not gather similarly before the Tabernacle, where Jesus is truly present. He harnessed the power of the internet to promote goodness, demonstrating a freedom from the very technologies that ensnare others.

A Beacon of Hope

Through Carlo’s technological endeavors and spiritual dedication, he managed to leave an indelible mark on individuals worldwide. Catholic leaders now seek to leverage his story to engage younger generations more effectively.

Antonia passionately affirms that Carlo is a true work of God, describing him as an instrument of divine grace meant to connect with those grappling with the challenges of modern life, including parents.

She recognizes that today’s saints can often seem inaccessible, yet Carlo’s relatable demeanor shows that holiness can be part of everyday life. Through simple gestures, one can cultivate a connection with the divine within their daily routines.

The Call for Connection

Antonia advocates for the desire to establish a connection with God, acknowledging that it requires effort but promising that such a connection leads to divine rewards. She emphasizes that everyone is unique and has a special project laid out by God, waiting for those willing to seek it.

Now fully embracing her Catholic faith, Antonia sees the sacraments as essential means through which God offers grace. She concludes her message with an invitation for all to recognize their inherent worth as original creations of God.

Antonia’s journey from a non-religious background to becoming the mother of a saint speaks to the transformative power of faith and the enduring legacy of Carlo Acutis.

The documentary “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality” will première on April 21 in Washington, D.C., followed by a special presentation at the Vatican on April 24. The film’s theatrical release is set for April 27, coinciding with Carlo’s canonization ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, a milestone that will undoubtedly inspire many.