First-class relics of St. Carlo Acutis arrived in the diocese on Friday, Feb. 13, visiting a senior living facility and parish church.
Relics were brought to the diocese by Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo, who was assigned by the late Pope Francis to look after them in Assisi, Italy, where the recently canonized saint is buried.
St. Carlo (1991-2006) died nearly a decade ago after suffering from leukemia. In his 15 years, he lived a devout life of faith, exhibiting a great love for the Eucharist.
Carlo’s pericardium (the tissue surrounding his heart), a lock of hair, a piece of the bedsheet where he laid suffering and dying, and a piece of his favorite t-shirt are among the relics that will spend six days in the diocese.
The tour began Friday morning with a Mass celebrated at The Villas at Saint Therese independent living community and Mother Angeline McCrory Manor health care facility, sponsored by the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm.
“It’s the only Catholic facility that we have of this type in the Diocese of Columbus, and so, we like to make sure that the residents here are included in events like this,” said Father Mike Lumpe, outgoing chaplain at the facility, who is now pastor at Hilliard St. Brendan the Navigator Church.
“It’s a blessing that Monsignor was able to stop here. It’s a reflection, too, on the life of St. Carlo Acutis, who also had a great deal of reverence in caring for the seniors. This is something we’re all called to do, to take care of the senior members of our families.”
Faithful who reside at the care facility were grateful to participate in veneration.
“This has been the most wonderful thing to ever happen to me since my First Communion,” resident Anne Nehr said. “I felt so close to Carlo. I’ve been praying to him every day, and I feel so close to have him right here.”
“It’s just a joy that we get to be a part of it,” resident Peggy Diehl added. “We’re not forgotten.”
St. Carlo’s relics made their next stop at the Columbus Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Star of the New Evangelization parish.
Veneration was offered at the parish in the evening as well as two Masses, in English and Spanish, Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and recitation of the Holy Rosary in Spanish.
Several young children and families visited the parish shrine, which has a significant Hispanic population, to pray before relics of the young saint, stationed in front of the church’s altar.
Yazmin Castillo traveled from London, Ohio, with her two children and nephews to venerate Carlo’s relics.
“Because he’s a millennial, it’s nice to bring our children, especially since he is into the new things that the children are involved in,” she said, referring to Carlo’s enjoyment of video games and computers. “It’s nice to teach them how the Holy Eucharist, it’s definitely the highway for heaven.”
Adriana Martinez, a mother of five, brought several of her children with her for veneration. Her young brood ranges from ages 18 to four months old.
“It’s amazing to have the relics of Carlo Acutis, being young,” she reflected. “It’s a blessing to have him and a motivation for my kids – an example of holiness … for my kids, young like Carlo.”
Martinez was married at Our Lady of Guadalupe, formerly Holy Name Church, 19 years ago. Her family belongs to Columbus Christ the King Church but made the trip across town to see Carlo.
“The love he has for the Eucharist is motivating for my kids and family,” Martinez explained, “a big example of how we can follow Jesus through the Eucharist and share our faith with others.”
The diocesan tour of St. Carlo’s relics continued Saturday, Feb. 14 in Lancaster.
