Glory Be Prints

Celebrating Carlo Acutis’ Canonization with Kids

Rebecca Pohlmeier — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 23:22:51 +0000

Bl. Carlo Acutis will be canonized by Pope Francis at the World Jubilee of Teenagers on Sunday, April 27, 2025, making him the first millennial saint. Here are some ideas to celebrate, whether you’re at home with your kids or in a classroom of students.

1. Watch the canonization (or part of it).

The canonization will be shown on EWTN Live on April 27 at 3:00AM EST. Afterwards, there will be recordings of the canonization to rewatch all or part of the Mass. EWTN will also be showing an “encore” of the canonization at 7:00PM EST. (Link to watch live on EWTN.)

What happens in the Rite of Canonization?

In the Rite of Canonization, which takes place during the Holy Mass, the Pope declares that the candidate for canonization is with God and is worthy of veneration by the faithful of the Catholic Church. It is important to note that through canonization, the Pope does not “make” a person a saint through any power of his own, nor does he somehow “admit” the person into Heaven. Rather, a canonization is a formal, infallible act that recognizes this person is already in Heaven with God. This determination is made prior to the canonization Mass through a formal canonical process which includes a lengthy and thorough investigation into the life of the deceased person.

The Rite of Canonization takes place before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Here’s what you can look for:

Petition: the Prefect (“head”) of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints asks the Pope to proceed with the canonization.
Litany of the Saints: the chanted hymn of intercession of the saints. Each chanted name is followed by “ora pro nobis,” or “pray for us.”
Formula of Canonization: The Pope formally and infallibly declares the Blessed a “Saint.”
Hymns of praise and thanksgiving
Veneration of relics

2. Learn about Carlo

Carlo Acutis: Holiness for the Third Millennium

This comic-style book introduces young readers to the 15-year-old computer whiz who is on his way to being declared a saint. Like other boys his age, Blessed Carlo Acutis loved soccer and video games, but his desire to share his deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament made him stand out from the crowd.

Glory Stories CD Vol 17: Saint Carlo Acutis

This 45-minute audio drama for kids is a great way to be immersed in the story of Carlo’s life and holiness. It’s a captivating listen and sure to hold your audience’s attention!

Saints Alive: Blessed Carlo Acutis

Listen as Carlo tells the story of a Eucharistic miracle in Columbia.

Carlo Acutis Readings and Questions

Two reading passages about Carlo Acutis and the Canonization process teach kids about sainthood. Both passages include comprehension questions (multiple choice and short answer).

3. Play Games!

Soccer: Carlo loved to play soccer. Get outside and play a quick game!

Bingo: Here’s a fun way to learn about Carlo’s life through a game. This Bingo game includes symbols from Carlo’s life and a list of descriptions teaching you how each image is related to Carlo. (It also includes a short list of prize ideas to celebrate a Bingo victory Carlo-style!)

4. Spend some time in Adoration

Carlo loved the Eucharist and spent much of his time in prayer. He was fascinated by Eucharistic miracles, creating a website that cataloged Eucharistic miracles from all over the world. Take a page from Carlo’s book and spend some time with the Lord in quiet prayer. After all, as Carlo said, “If we get in front of the sun, we get sun tans…But when we get in front of Jesus in the Eucharist, we become saints.”

5. Throw a party!

Make it a party by inviting some friends over to do these things with you! Here are some additional ideas to level it up to party mode:

Any canonization is a day of great celebration in the Church – we are recognizing that a brother or sister in Christ has accomplished the goal of this life: sainthood – being in Heaven with God! Whether you use these ideas or others, know that you are rejoicing with other Catholics from all over the world. Together, we are reminded that we, too, are called to be saints!

St. Carlo Acutis, Pray for Us!

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The Beatification of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński

Rebecca Pohlmeier — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 15:52:03 +0000

Polish Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński is to be beatified in Warsaw on September 12, 2021. Learn more about him with these resources:

Click here to watch the live streamed beatification at 12pm EST on September 12, 2021.

Watch this video about Cardinal Wyszyński’s life and legacy.

Watch clips from Cardinal Wyszyński’s funeral, which was attended by an estimated 300,000 mourners.

Read excerpts from Cardinal Wyszyński’s journal about his three-year imprisonment

Purchase artwork of Bl. Stefan Wyszyński here!

9 Awesome Saint Books for Kids

Rebecca Pohlmeier — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 01:58:17 +0000

On the hunt for good children’s books about the SAINTS? Look no further! Here is a list of some of my favorites:

The Vision Books Series (8+ yrs): These were some of my favorites growing up! With 25+ books, this series has tons of great saint stories. (I checked out the St. Therese book from my school library so. many. times. that I’m sure I could recite pieces of it by heart!) These were some of the first books I started collecting for my future classroom library

Encounter the Saints Series (8+ yrs): Just like the Vision Books, there is a huge collection of these books (nearly 40!). These are shorter than the Vision Books and a little lower reading level, so these could be a great start for a reluctant reader! Yes, I’ve also started collecting these already

Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times (4+ yrs): I can’t tell you how many kids have sat on my lap enthralled by this book. It’s my go-to when I’m babysitting, and kids beg me to bring it back time and time again. Meghan’s gorgeous illustrations are stunning, and her poetry tells the stories of the saints so beautifully. This would be the perfect gift for a godchild!

Chime Travelers (7 – 10 yrs): Magic Tree House meets saint stories. Need I say more?! These books are perfect for readers just starting to get into chapter books, though they would also be great read alouds for kids not quite able to read them on their own. A must for any 1st or 2nd grade classroom or home!

Saints Around the World (all ages): I wasn’t able to even hold this book until several hours after it arrived at my house because it was scooped up so fast by my siblings. I read the entire book cover to cover as soon as I had the chance and was blown away. The detail in the biographies and the intentionality in the illustrations are seriously incredible, and the representation and diversity included is outstanding. Because of this book, my “to-draw” list has gotten lots longer!

In Caelo et in Terra (8+ yrs): A saint for every day of the year? Sign me up!! This hardcover book is gorgeous and the stories are just what every Catholic kid needs to hear! This would be the perfect book to incorporate into your daily school routine.

Light of Heaven (4+ yrs): This is one of those books I could look at forever. The illustrations are so incredibly detailed and colorful that they can capture the attention of every audience. Unlike other books which include saint biographies, Light of Heaven features a Latin word and explanation for how that word relates to the saints’ lives. My favorite part?? Adalee also sells a companion coloring book!

Brilliant!: 25 Catholic Scientists, Mathematicians, and Supersmart People (10+ yrs): This is the only book on the list that I haven’t read yet, but I just had to include it because I look forward to reading it so much! A book that shows kids how science and faith go hand-in-hand?? I mean, how much better can it get?!

Glory Be Saints A to Z (0 – 5 yrs): Of course I had to include this one! Perfect for the littlest Catholics, this book teaches the alphabet along with the saints. Colorful illustrations showcase the life of the saint through intentionally-chosen symbols. Need a book to bring to Mass? A Baptism gift? A teaching-the-alphabet-and-the-colors-while-also-embracing-the-Catholic-faith book? You found it!

Did this list help you out? Be on the lookout for more lists of resources like this to help you and your family fall more deeply in love with the Catholic faith through the saints!

About Glory Be Prints

kyle.albert — Sat, 09 May 2020 21:06:05 +0000

Hi, I’m Rebecca, the designer behind Glory Be Prints. I’m a recently graduated high school student, cross country runner, big sister, and surprise businesses owner. Glory Be Prints started as a way for me to raise money so I could attend a Diocesan WorkCamp in the summer of 2018. I’m amazed at how much both my shop and I have grown since then!! My favorite saint is St. Therese. Who is your favorite saint?

New design – Venerable Carlo Acutis

kyle.albert — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 15:38:00 +0000

“Jesus is my great friend and the Eucharist my Highway to Heaven.” -Venerable Carlo Acutis

I had so much fun drawing Venerable Carlo for a video with the Arlington Catholic Herald in February. I just completed the finished print and it is uploaded to the Etsy site!

Glory Be Board Book is here!

kyle.albert — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 16:32:44 +0000

Glory Be Saints A to Z board book is officially here! (If you preordered a copy and it hasn’t arrived yet, you should receive a package very soon!) I am so excited for this book to be in the hands of little ones all over the country. I would love to see pictures of your family and friends enjoying this book about the saints. On Instagram, just tag @glorybeprints or use #glorybeboardbook!

Pray for us, Oh holy Mother of God

kyle.albert — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 04:08:06 +0000

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ!