A first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who will be the Church’s first millennial saint when he is canonised next year, was installed at a Vigil Mass at Our Lady of Dolours, Chatswood on Friday night.
A chapel for Eucharistic Adoration was prepared at the parish church which is now home to the Carlo Acutis reliquary with the relic – two strands of hair from the young computer enthusiast and web designer who died of leukemia in Italy in 2006 aged 15.
The Mass, which was attended by parishioners and visitors from around Sydney, including many teenagers and young adults, was followed by veneration of the relic.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation was available until midnight and Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament concluded at 9am on Saturday morning, the feast day of Blessed Carlo Acutis.
Parish Priest at Our Lady of Dolours and Vicar General of the Diocese of Broken Bay, Fr David Ranson, said the Mass and veneration of the relic was very moving and thanked the parishioners who helped prepare the church and the Vigil for such a special occasion.
“I am sure this will become a place of pilgrimage for many people, especially students and young adults who have already found a connection with Blessed Carlo Acutis,” he said.
Carlo Acutis grew up in Milan where his faith inspired him to create websites displaying Catholic miracles, encouraging people to return to the Eucharist. While he also loved computer games he spent many hours helping the homeless and poor.
He died within a week of his diagnosis on 12 October 2006. Carlo asked to be buried in Assisi because of his love for St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of the poor. His tomb is now open to the public at the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, in the Church of St Mary Major, Assisi.
Pope Francis has recognised two miracles attributed to Carlo’s intercession, and although no date has yet been announced. Blessed Carlo’s canonisation is expected sometime during the Jubilee Year next year.
All are welcome to Our Lady of Dolours to pray before the relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis.