Rome: As Catholics around the world continue to celebrate the canonization of St. Carlo Acutis, a striking 1,000-piece mosaic portrait of the young saint has captivated pilgrims in Rome. Crafted from toy soldiers, Pokémon figures, shoelaces, and other everyday objects, the mosaic seeks to convey Acutis’ extraordinary life while inviting viewers to reflect on their own vocation to holiness.
Artist Johnny Vrba, inspired after learning about Acutis, meticulously created the mosaic to communicate the saint’s story through familiar objects. “Every figure, every toy, every single thing that is glued on the piece has a meaning and a purpose,” Vrba said. “Every single one of them is numbered, just like Scripture says: ‘He hasn’t just counted them, because he’s numbered us. He’s numbered the hairs on our heads.’”
Vrba’s artistic journey began during a transformative experience on a 2020 study-abroad trip to Shanghai amid the COVID-19 outbreak, which deepened his personal faith. Already engaged in painting and small-scale sculptural projects, Vrba combined his skills to craft portraits of Jesus and eventually turned his attention to Acutis, whom he found resonated with his own story of bringing others closer to faith, love for animals, and enthusiasm for technology.
The resulting mosaic, titled The First Millennial Saint, weighs 45 pounds and is crafted with painstaking precision. Thousands of toy soldiers and miniature figures were painted, numbered, and arranged with intention. Many gray and muted figures are oriented toward a crucifix, symbolizing the culture of death, while 163 colorful soldiers represent Christians striving against it, echoing the Eucharistic miracles Acutis cataloged online.
Hidden throughout the piece are playful details reflecting Acutis’ life: Pokémon characters, dolphins, and a soccer field alluding to his favorite pastimes, as well as a miniature computer desk with a Bible, world map, saxophone, and beloved pets. Even the miracles attributed to him are depicted, such as a tiny steak and fries representing the healing of Mattheus in Brazil, and a toy bicycle signifying the recovery of Valeria Valverde after a serious accident in Florence.
Originally created for Acutis’ mother, the mosaic journeyed to Assisi following delays caused by Pope Francis’ death, where it was displayed at sites significant to Acutis’ life. Its impact grew, eventually finding a home in the Vatican’s youth center. A replica with additional details was also commissioned for St. Carlo Acutis Parish in Chicago, the only U.S. parish named after the saint.
Vrba emphasizes the individuality of each artwork, inspired by Acutis’ words: “We are all born originals, but many of us die photocopies.” He explained that every figure in the mosaic carries a mission, reflecting the universal call to holiness and reminding the faithful that each person has a unique role in the Church.
One of Vrba’s greatest joys is seeing children interact with the mosaic, discovering hidden elements, and recognizing their own potential mission in the Church. The artwork serves not merely as an object to behold but as an invitation to reflect, explore, and engage with faith in a tactile and imaginative way.
Vrba is now preparing four additional saintly portraits, including St. John Paul II and the newly canonized St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, to be displayed at Miami Art Week in December. While primarily a secular event, Vrba hopes the works will inspire schools, parishes, and Catholic missions, using art as a means to evangelize and awaken awareness of the universal call to holiness through recognizable and relatable objects.