Girl Scout project honors beloved future saint with Blessed Carlo Lounge

Nicole Chavez, 18, discovered an unexpected soul mate and spiritual role model in saint-to-be Blessed Carlo Acutis over the past year.

The young parishioner of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock hadn’t previously heard of Bles-sed Carlo, known as the “patron saint” of the Internet. That was before Chavez agreed to transform a room in the church basement into the Blessed Carlo Lounge for her Girl Scout Gold Award service project.

Blessed Carlo has become a role model for Chavez since researching his life and Catholic faith this year. The late Italian web designer will likely be canonized as the Church’s first millennial saint sometime in 2025. One of his three quotes she stenciled on the lounge’s walls encourages her: “Find God, and you will find the meaning of your life.”

“Blessed Carlo is saying God has a role in our lives. The more you believe, the better you feel,” Chavez said. Blessed Carlo died of leukemia at 15 in 2006. “He was so young. Faith was such an important part of his life — as it is to me. I’ve never questioned it. He is so inspiring.”

Father Stephen Prisk, Holy Spirit’s pastor, blessed and dedicated the beautified Blessed Carlo Lounge after the 11 a.m. Mass on Oct. 20. Chavez’s project also focuses on mental health, especially for teens. One section of the lounge displays posters, a 24-hour national helpline to call or text at 988, and pamphlets for visitors.

Before his death, Blessed Carlo used his tech skills to create a website about Eucharistic miracles and approved Marian apparitions. His faith example has attracted deep devotion from countless Catholics, especially young people.

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney considers Blessed Carlo one of his favorites. In an April 22, 2021, column in The Beacon, the bishop wrote that he “can teach us many things and fill us with hope.”

Chavez also considers Blessed Carlo a soul mate because they have much in common. Like Blessed Carlo, she loves her Catholic faith, her family, the Eucharist at Mass, talking to God in prayer, and being involved in the Church.

“My faith has helped me through some tough times. I prayed to God when my dad didn’t have a job for two years and when my mom and I came down with COVID,” Chavez said.

Chavez is active at Holy Spirit. She and her family, which includes four older siblings, have attended weekly Mass. She received her sacraments at the parish and now teaches religious education.

The lounge also has Blessed Carlo’s portrait, a new cabinet, and some greenery. It’s used for small group meetings, Mommy and Me, pre-Cana, youth ministry, and women’s bible study.

Last year, Father Stephen Prisk and a team of youth ministry leaders suggested Chavez transform the gathering space in Blessed Carlo’s honor.

“The lounge is an inspiring place of God’s peace for people no matter their age,” said Father Prisk, who also referred to the space’s mental health component. “It reminds visitors of Blessed Carlo, who probably dealt with problems such as anxiety when he was sick. We can pray for his intercession for ourselves or our loved ones in difficult times.”

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