Artist Holly Schapker joined members of the Thomas More University community for a ceremonial unveiling of a new portrait of St. Carlo Acutis, who is known globally as the first millennial saint.

Schapker, a Cincinnati-based artist whose work focuses on sacred art and is displayed across the Midwest and around the world, spoke to dozens of students and community members who gathered to learn and reflect on St. Carlo’s legacy about the inspiration behind the painting and its design.

“This portrait is an invitation to see holiness and humanity are not opposites,” Schapker said. Included in the portrait are symbols on Nintendo PlayStation controllers, which Schapker says point to St. Carlo’s humanity, while elements such as a rosary and a guardian angel relate to Carlo’s spiritual life and daily dedication to prayer. “He was just a teenager, yet he chose holiness in the ordinary every single day,” Shapker explained.

Shapker was invited to Rome for the canonization of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, another patron for youth who has inspired Catholics around the world. “When I was in Rome, I realized we are hungry for this. We are hungry for saints who have lived in our world. Carlo and Pier Frassati are an invitation to all of us not to squander our lives, but to make them masterpieces,” Shapker said.  

Both St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati are the namesakes of new fellowship opportunities within the Bishop Roger J. Foys Ministry and Service scholarship program at Thomas More. High school students and their families who are interested in learning more about these opportunities are encouraged to visit the Bishop Foys program page here.

Following Schapker’s talk, students watched the film “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality,” bringing Carlo’s message about technology and a digital-obsessed world to life. “Watching this film surrounded by my peers made the experience even more meaningful,” said Sabrina Doll ’26. “It was uplifting to see so many young people take time out of their week to learn about St. Carlo and the extraordinary impact of his short but powerful life.”

Shapker’s portrait of St. Carlo Acutis is installed outside of the Java City Coffee Shop on the second level of the Academic Center for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the university to view and enjoy. For Doll, the portrait is a powerful reminder that students are not alone in their struggles. “Having this portrait at Thomas More University is more than just art – it’s an invitation for students to reflect on faith, purpose, and the impact one person can make when they live their life with love and conviction,” she shared.

Thomas More University offers its deepest thanks to the Neltner family for their generosity, which brought the portrait of St. Carlo to campus, making Thomas More the first university in the world to acquire this piece.

If you would like to learn more about the life and work of St. Carlo Acutis, read this article by Amber Konnerman ’23, assistant registrar at Thomas More. For more about artist Holly Schapker and her works, visit hollyschapker.com.

“All are born as originals, but many die as photocopies.” – St. Carlo Acutis