Blessed Carlo Acutis is the “Diocesan Patron of the Youth,” and with his upcoming canonization, St. Dominic Parish in Brick, host to the Diocesan Shrine of Blessed Carlo Acutis, has been getting ready.
St. Dominic priests will make a pilgrimage to Rome to participate in the canonization – part of the April 25-27 Jubilee for Adolescents – and pray for the intentions of the parish and all who visit the Diocesan Shrine to seek the intercession of Blessed Carlo, who will be the first Millennial saint. Blessed Carlo, who died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, was a normal teen who loved soccer, basketball and animals, but he also had a deep faith and developed a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles.
On April 27, St. Dominic Parish will livestream Blessed Carlo’s canonization outside the Diocesan Shrine. The parish will celebrate Mass at 10:30 a.m. and gather for Adoration to recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 p.m.
A Place for Youth
The Diocesan Shrine of Blessed Carlo Acutis has been welcoming the faithful since Oct. 1, 2023, when Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated its opening with a Mass. When Bishop O’Connell named Blessed Carlo the patron of Diocesan youth, he said it was especially for young people in Catholic schools and religious education programs.
During his short life, Blessed Carlo often said, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” St. Dominic is developing an interactive experience that will enhance the Shrine in visual and technological ways to honor the Italian teen’s love for the Eucharist and his use of technology to share Eucharistic miracles. Visitors will learn more about the miracles in an attempt to increase their understanding and belief that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.
The Diocesan Shrine, located inside the St. Dominic candle room, includes a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo, acquired by Father Marian Kokorzycki, parochial vicar, during his pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy, in 2021. Bishop O’Connell received the relic, which was displayed April 28, 2022, during a Mass commemorating Blessed Carlo. During the October 2023 Mass, Antonia Salzano, Blessed Carlo’s mother, carried his relic to its current place in the Shrine.
Youth groups, Catholic campus ministries, individuals preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation and Bible study groups are among those journeying to the Shrine, which has attracted people from New Jersey and surrounding states. Groups typically begin their pilgrimages with a short presentation to learn about Blessed Carlo’s life, the Shrine, and relics and how to venerate them. They can participate in Mass, Confession, and Adoration and plan special activities like journaling, inspirational discussions, and choosing their Confirmation names.
“The outpouring of love for Blessed Carlo and for the desire to visit the Shrine, to be close to Carlo, asking for his intercession, is so beautiful to witness,” said Christina Armellino, director of the Diocesan Shrine to Blessed Carlo Acutis. She explained that even if people have visited previously, each time they will experience him in different prayerful and personal ways. “They are excited for the canonization and for everyone to know of our soon-to-be St. Carlo Acutis.”
Pilgrim Experiences
“In our day and age, texting, social media, etc., can often replace our important in-person interactions,” wrote Father Brian Woodrow, pastor of St. Dominic Parish, in a booklet about the shrine. “What better future saint is there to turn to today and ‘unplug’ than the patron of the internet itself? Visiting Blessed Carlo’s relics gracefully helps us to stay connected to the Eucharist by following this young saintly boy’s ’Highway to Heaven.’”
As they wait for their turn to view the relics, St. Joseph School students take time to answer reflection questions as part of their pilgrimage. Facebook photos
Multiple groups have made special pilgrimages to the local Shrine as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, which began at the Vatican Christmas Eve.
More than 70 students from the eighth-grade Confirmation class in St. Joseph School, Toms River, made their pilgrimage Feb. 28. Father Woodrow discussed Blessed Carlo, relics, and how the Shrine became established. Students then divided into groups and circulated throughout the church to hear personal witness talks, take a tour of the relics, and have quiet time to reflect on the day or what God was telling them, using their personal reflection journals to write or draw images.
“The students really enjoyed Father Brian’s talk, and the witness talks,” said Barbara Vidal, religion and social studies teacher and campus minister in St. Joseph School. Students remarked “how special it was to see the relics of the saints, especially Blessed Carlo Acutis.”
She added, “It really is so amazing for them to not only see a saint canonized in their lifetime, but particularly a young saint.”
More than 80 seventh- and eighth-grade students from St. Benedict School, Holmdel, made their pilgrimage March 21. Father Woodrow showed a short film and discussed the Shrine. Students venerated the relic of Blessed Carlo and worked on discussion questions, followed by a Mass at which Father Woodrow focused his homily on their pilgrimage.
“The students didn’t realize how much they had in common with Carlo Acutis. He was someone they could relate to with his love of soccer, technology and video games,” said Lori McCahill, director of religious education at St. Benedict School. “It resonated with them how he dedicated his life to Jesus Christ, and they were moved by how he didn’t hide behind his Catholic faith but was proud of it.”
On the first Thursday of every month, a special Mass is held in the St. Joseph Chapel of St. Dominic Church. Participants recite a prayer to the intercession of Blessed Carlo; Mass is followed by Adoration, Confession, and time to visit the Shrine. Parishes wishing to host the relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis also have the option of reserving St. Dominic’s travel relic for a scheduled time.
Those who wish to experience a pilgrimage to the Diocesan Shrine of Blessed Carlo Acutis may visit the St. Dominic Parish website for up-to-date information: www.stdominicsparish.com.
Rose O’Connor, diocesan digital media manager, and EmmaLee Italia, contributing editor of The Monitor, contributed to this story.
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New documentary film on Blessed Carlo comes to theatres April 27-29