Carlo and Catherine

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In 2022 I was blessed to be part of a year-long project called Awaken the Saint, where we shared a 3-minute reflection on a saint of the day in both podcast and video. Before I began the project I thought to myself, how are we ever going to be able to provide an entire year of content, let alone enough content for 6 months? What I surprisingly—and rather quickly—came to realize was that there weren't enough days in 10 YEARS to talk about each saint of the Church!

A saint isn't someone who lived a perfect life. Believe me, if you spend even 5 minutes reading some of their stories you'll be disappointed to discover they were broken people just like you and me, surrounded by their own shortcomings and sins. But what sets them apart is their courageous act of surrendering their lives to the Lord and to love Him as best they can.

The saints teach us how to say yes to God on the daily, and become the person He desires each of us to be. How and when they live their lives may look drastically different, but the end result is always the same—being united with God and rejoicing for eternity in heaven.

When I first began my LLC I wanted to constantly remind myself of why I serve nonprofits in the capacity that I do, specifically parishes and Christian nonprofits. I want to strive for sainthood as much as anyone should desire to, and I know getting there won't be easy. That is why I prayerfully discerned to declare Bl. Carlo Acutis and St. Catherine of Bologna as my patron saints of my LLC. Both have their own story on how they loved Our Lord, and both are incredibly beautiful.

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Bl. Carlo Acutis is the patron of the internet and is noted for being the first millennial saint. He was born in May of 1991 and died on October 12, 2006 from leukemia. Although his life was short-lived, he made a lasting impression on so many people around him, from the house staff to the homeless he found on the streets. Carlo's faith even inspired his parents' reversion, hoping to answer his never-ending questions about the Church and her teachings. Years following his death and after a call for canonization was made, they found his body incorrupt. He was beatified shortly after, and will officially be declared a Saint of the Church in March of 2025!

At the age of 11, Carlo became intrigued by the Eucharistic Miracles confirmed around the world. In response he created a website that documented countless miracles to evangelize online that is still accessible today. Most of my work is digital-based, and many of the projects I offer clients are intended to be shared via social media or as a website online. Who better to ask for help when continually sharing Christ online? Just like Bl. Carlo, my husband also loves video games and is a programmer, so I thought this would also be a great way to pray for him while I work.

"To always be close to JESUS, that's my life plan." Bl. Carlo Acutis

St. Catherine of Bologna went from a life of luxury as a lady in waiting to a humble Sister of Poor Clare throughout her life in the early 14th century. Catherine's education was evident through her skills as a writer and artist after entering religious life. Her breviary was FILLED with countless prayer cards she drew herself of the Christ child and Madonna, as well as numerous saints who she also prayed to for their intercession. She also wrote countless sermons, poems, and manuscripts reflecting on various theological topics. In 1463 she died of natural causes as the abbess of her order.

St. Catherine's life radiated authentic beauty, both through her works and in her piety. Although she could’ve went on to be a successful artist and scholar among the wealthy, she chose to serve the poor and needy with her gifts. I pray that the work I create can draw the simpler souls closer to Christ—just as St. Catherine's works did. Naturally, she is the patron saint of artists and it was made clear she would be joining my all-star team when I discovered she chose rags over riches when it came to those she served.

Bl. Carlo Acutis and St. Catherine of Bologna, pray for us!

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