Saint Carlo Acutis and Centola: a special bond between a young saint and Cilento
In the heart of Cilento, among the narrow streets of an ancient village and the small squares where life still follows the rhythms of local tradition, lies Centola, a place closely connected to the personal story of Saint Carlo Acutis. He is remembered as a young man who shared his faith through the simplicity of everyday life and the opportunities offered by technology.
Known around the world as the patron saint of the internet, Carlo Acutis has become an inspiring figure, especially for younger generations. Yet his story is not confined to the major cities where he lived or to the places associated with his spiritual journey. An important part of his family memories is linked to Cilento, where he spent his summer holidays with his family.
Who was Carlo Acutis?
Carlo Acutis was born in London on 3 May 1991 and grew up in Italy, mainly in Milan. From an early age, he showed a strong religious sensitivity and developed a deep devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary.
Passionate about computers, he used his technical skills to share his faith, creating a digital exhibition dedicated to Eucharistic miracles. His example, however, extended far beyond the online world. Carlo cared about people in need and took part in charitable activities, believing that faith should be expressed through concrete actions.
He died in Monza on 12 October 2006, aged just fifteen, from acute leukaemia. His story quickly spread throughout the Catholic world. After being beatified in 2020, he was canonised by Pope Leo XIV on 7 September 2025.
Centola: a place of holidays and memories
The bond between Carlo Acutis and Centola is a particularly meaningful part of his biography. He spent his summer holidays in this Cilento village with his family, returning to an environment different from his everyday life in Milan.
Here, he could enjoy simple moments, meet friends and spend time with local people. These memories make the connection between Carlo and Centola special: alongside the internationally known saint, we remember a young boy who spent part of his life in a small village in Cilento.
One of the places associated with his memories is Piazzetta del Rosario, where Carlo used to play with his friends during his summer stays. An ordinary village square has thus become a meaningful place for the local community.
His connection with Centola is also linked to the family roots of his mother, Antonia Salzano, creating a bridge between Carlo's personal story and the cultural identity of Cilento.
The relic of Saint Carlo Acutis in Centola
An important moment for the local community came in October 2026, when the parish of Saint Nicholas of Bari in Centola welcomed a relic ex corpore of Saint Carlo Acutis, intended for the veneration of the faithful.
The relic was officially received on 13 October 2026, during a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Vincenzo Calvosa of the Diocese of Vallo della Lucania. It is kept in a specially commissioned silver reliquary.
The arrival of the relic is a tangible sign of the bond between the saint and the community that welcomed him during his summer holidays. It is not only a religious event but also an occasion for shared remembrance, strengthening the connection between Centola, its history and Carlo's spiritual legacy.
An example for young people today
Saint Carlo Acutis is remarkable for the way he brought together seemingly distant worlds: faith and technology, prayer and everyday life, spirituality and concern for others.
He used digital tools with creativity and intelligence while remaining focused on what he considered essential: friendship, solidarity and his relationship with God. For this reason, he has become a source of inspiration for young people, who can recognise in his story a testimony relevant to the modern world.
His example encourages us to rediscover the importance of small acts of kindness, generosity and using our talents in the service of others.
Centola: a destination of faith, culture and local heritage
Discovering the connection between Saint Carlo Acutis and Centola means learning about a lesser-known part of the young saint's life while also discovering the history of a Cilento community.
Piazzetta del Rosario, the parish church of Saint Nicholas of Bari and the village's everyday spaces tell a story of memories, affection and spirituality.
In a region rich in history, landscapes and traditions, this story adds a new chapter to Cilento's cultural and religious heritage. It shows how even a small village can preserve a meaningful connection with a figure known throughout the world.
Centola is more than a place where Carlo Acutis spent his summer holidays. It is part of his personal story, a place of remembrance and a meeting point between a community's devotion and the testimony of a young saint.