Saint Carlo Acutis: “We laughed too much”. From Saronno to Assisi

12 October is Saint Carlo Acutis's liturgical memorial. In 2026 it marked twenty years since the Milanese boy died on 12 October 2006, aged fifteen. Pope Leo XIV canonised him on 7 September 2025. But what was Carlo like to those who knew him? This time, our journey begins in Saronno.

Saronno: Saint Carlo Acutis's relic and a special letterbox

The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Miracles is a jewel of the Lombard Renaissance. Bernardino Luini's frescoes decorate the apse, presbytery and the area before it; Gaudenzio Ferrari painted the angel musicians in the dome. These attributions are documented in UPEL's cultural guide.

The sanctuary houses a relic of Carlo Acutis. From 4 to 7 September 2026, it dedicated four days to him under the title “Grazie Carlo!” to mark the first anniversary of his canonisation. Alongside the devotion is a simple gesture: leaving a prayer intention in a letterbox dedicated to Carlo.

In August 2026, young scouts from Białystok in Poland prayed before the relic and posted their messages. In October, Don Massimiliano recalled those words of thanks as personal expressions of devotion.

Federico Oldani remembers Saint Carlo Acutis: a school friend first

On 10 October 2026, deacon Massimo Tallarini spoke with Federico Oldani, Carlo’s middle-school friend and now an aerospace engineer. His memories return to games, computers and Formula 1: an ordinary friendship between boys.

‘He and I were thrown out of a class because we were laughing too much,’ Oldani recalls. Faith remained in the background of their conversations; Carlo made himself known through his kindness to those beside him.

Federico remembers the Wednesdays Carlo spent helping a classmate study, and a phone call before an exam to go over his presentation and ease his nerves. He also remembers Carlo's concern when faced with a person experiencing homelessness: Carlo wondered how he could help everyone.

Their last invitation involved a computer. Following Carlo's advice, Federico had bought a Mac and invited him home to see it. Then came the illness, the hospital admission and the impossibility of visiting him. At the funeral vigil, the loss became real.

Oldani distinguishes his personal memories from public devotion to Carlo. Asked whether he thinks of him mainly as a saint or as a friend, his answer is: “He has remained my friend.”

Assisi: the Sanctuary of the Renunciation and the feast of 12 October

Carlo's remains have rested in the Sanctuary of the Renunciation in Assisi since 6 April 2019. His tomb is in the right aisle, as the Carlo Acutis Association's official website explains. It is a place of prayer that continues to welcome pilgrims from many countries.

In a statement dated 30 September 2026, Marina Rosati, head of the sanctuary's press office, reported more than 1.7 million visits since July 2025.

For the twentieth anniversary of Carlo's death, the official programme announced four days of celebrations, from 9 to 12 October 2026. Mass with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was scheduled for 11 October at 10 a.m., broadcast live on Canale 5. Mass with Bishop Felice Accrocca was scheduled for 12 October at 6 p.m. These dates and services were listed by the official Visit Assisi tourism website and the diocese. These events have now passed.

Beyond the feast: the value of friendship

Federico's answer brings us back to people, before slogans. For those who knew him, Carlo remains the classmate they laughed, studied and talked about computers with. For those who pray to him, he is also an example of faith lived in ordinary days. Those two perspectives can meet without becoming the same thing.

An afternoon given to a classmate who is struggling. A phone call before an exam. Attention to someone sleeping on the street. These are gestures we can try to bring into our own lives, without waiting for a special anniversary.

In paragraph 106 of Christus vivit, Pope Francis recalls Carlo's thought about originals and photocopies. It is an invitation to resist becoming all alike: a friendship cherished over time also tells a unique story.

How to remember Saint Carlo Acutis

A short prayer: “Saint Carlo, you who knew how to remain yourself and be a friend to everyone, teach us to live each day close to Jesus and to those around us. Amen.” A prayer written by the CHIARA! editorial team, not a quotation from Carlo.

When is Saint Carlo Acutis's feast day?

His liturgical memorial is on 12 October, the date of his death in 2006. The year 2026 marks its twentieth anniversary.

Where is Saint Carlo Acutis buried?

His remains have rested in the Sanctuary of the Renunciation in Assisi, in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, since 6 April 2019.

Where is Carlo Acutis's relic in Saronno?

At the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Miracles. Consult the sanctuary's official channels for visiting arrangements and current initiatives.

When did Carlo Acutis become a saint?

Pope Leo XIV canonised him on 7 September 2025 in Saint Peter's Square, together with Pier Giorgio Frassati.

Keep getting to know Carlo with CHIARA!

Read Carlo Acutis's full story, explore our special feature beyond the holy card, try the quiz about Carlo or discover the cinema documentary.