Marisa Laurelle, 57, has shared a moving story of faith and overcoming adversity, highlighting how Carlo Acutis played a crucial role at a time of profound hardship.
Her daughter, Sophia Laurelle, 15, faced an immense battle during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in São Paulo (in their native Brazil) where she remained for 30 days after being diagnosed with the disease in 2021.
Marisa reports that her daughter suffered a serious complication, developing cerebellitis that left her paralyzed overnight.
“I cried out to Carlo Acutis and he interceded with Jesus,” affirms Marisa.
She emphasized how much her faith helped her during this challenging time. During the dark days when Sophia could neither speak nor walk and had stopped going to school, Marisa sought comfort and hope in the intercession of the young blessed.
“Today, my daughter is here,” Marisa said emotionally. She shared her testimony in an interview with the Correio Braziliense's special correspondent to the Vatican, while they were in Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral.
Her story highlights the strength of faith during the turmoil of the pandemic and how it helped many families to overcome the difficulties they faced.
When asked if the Vatican has recognized the healing as a miracle, she explained that although it is not officially recognized, “it was recognized in our hearts.” She said that she’s telling others about how her prayers were answered, and her hope that someday the account would receive Vatican recognition.
Upcoming canonization
The canonization ceremony for Carlo Acutis, originally scheduled for Sunday (April 27), was suspended after the death of Pope Francis, who would have made history by making Acutis the first millennial saint of the Catholic Church.
Instead, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the canonization of Carlo Acutis (along with Pier Giorgio Frassati) on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
This event brings to the fore not only the importance of recognizing the holiness of Acutis, but also how his life and faith have profoundly impacted those who, like Marisa and Sophia, turn to him in search of hope in difficult times.
