Bl. Carlo Acutis

Bl. Carlo Acutis

Tech Wizard 1991 – 2006

Patronage Mothers, Alcoholics, Criticism, Patience

Feast Day August 27

Fun Fact

Monica married Patricius, a pagan Roman when she was young. Spending most of her marriage in prayer, Monica faced criticism from her mother-in-law who lived with them. Patricius became a Christian because of her a year before he died. They had 3 children. Monica's greatest desire was met when her son Augustine converted to Christianity.

Prayer

Saint Monica, intercede to the Holy Ghost that I may have patience and confidence that my loved ones will find a way to God in their own time.
Amen.

Artistic Process

Sketch

I almost always start with a pencil sketch. I researched, meditated on, and pondered Monica’s life as a mother in the third century. Along with the plausible case for her skin color as she was from the North African region.

Of course cases can be made for Monica to have been white, as there were white people living in the region as well. This depiction is how I interpret her through my research.

Inspiration Images

Inspiration is as integral as written research. I can’t magically come up with how a North African woman looks from my imagination so I looked through many images to find what I thought would inform my depiction of Monica best.

Carnation Photo

I stopped by my local church last summer at dusk because I wanted to take photos of the vases of flowers in front of the altar. It was hilarious because as I walked in a large group of people were watching a movie in the partitioned conference room side of the lower chapel.

Carnation Illustration

Carnations symbolize a mother’s eternal love so I thought they were perfect for Monica. She patiently persevered for her son Augustine.

I drew these based off an illustration I found in the Floriography book I own.