Article by Phoenix writer Molly Driscoll ’26:
Morning Announcements included a surprise video featuring recently retired English teacher Mr. Tahany and his wife and their incredible opportunity of meeting Antonia Salzano Acutis, mother of St. Carlo Acutis, in Assisi.
Mr. Tahany sent the video to Mr. Harris at ETV, who then broadcast the video that next morning.
The Tahanys are catechists with the USCCB catechetical group. They recently traveled on a Jubilee year pilgrimage to Rome with the USCCB group with Archbishop Carlee Thompson of Indianapolis, as it was the Month of Catechists.
While they were in Assisi, Antonia Acutis, a catechist sharing in her son’s mission, was also present. Friendly with Archbishop Carlee Thomson, the new saint’s mother kindly agreed to speak to the group of twenty-seven pilgrims. Antonia spoke about her son, St. Carlo Acutis.
After Antonia’s discussion, Mr. Tahany showed her a photo of the St. Carlos Acutis statue located in the Kellenberg chapel, installed by Fr. Dan Griffin, S.M. in honor of Carlo’s deep devotion to the Eucharist. Antonia admired the statue and asked, “What is Kellenberg?”
Mr. Tahany explained that it was a Marianist high school and middle school in Uniondale, New York. Mr. Tahany invited Antonia to address the Kellenberg community, and she shared impactful, inspiring words for faculty and students.
he said, “A big hug to the school. I pray for you. Remember that the Holy Eucharist is the highway to heaven. You are all original. Remember that you are all original and don’t become photocopies as Carlos used to say.”
These words are very significant in today’s world. Many people compare themselves to others and strive to be replicas of the person they are seeing on social media. As others try to be “photocopies,” it is important to remember Carlos’ words because God made everyone unique for a reason, so everyone should be themselves.
Mr. Tahany reflected on the experience, “It was very cool to meet the mother of a saint. I never thought that would be possible. She was very sweet and gracious to our group.”
Mr.Tahany’s encounter with Antonia Salzano Acutis was meaningful to the Kellenberg community because it showed that holiness is open to everyone. It also proved that a small interaction with someone tied to the Catholic faith can inspire an entire community to believe more deeply.
St. Carlo Acutis was an Italian teenager and is often called “the first millennial saint.” He is known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist. St. Carlo was recently beatified on September 7th, 2025. St. Carlo is a reminder to us that sainthood is possible in everyday life.
