“The example of Saint Carlo’s life brings together faith, devotion, technology, science and youthfulness, which is a witness much needed by our sceptical and secular modern world,”
writes Fr Stephen Bolling, who suggests that seeking intercession from this modern-day Saint and exploring his Exhibition will help nurture our devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist.
By Fr Stephen Bolling
Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo will be hosting an exhibition on Saint Carlo Acutis, including a first-class relic. The exhibition will be displayed throughout the Cathedral and free to view from November 22 to 28 during the Cathedral’s opening hours from 10 am to 4 pm.
Who Was Saint Carlo Acutis?
Born on May 3, 1991, in London to Italian parents, Carlo Acutis moved to Milan as a child. Nicknamed the "cyber-apostle of the Eucharist," Carlo was a typical teenager. He liked soccer, video games, and spending time with his friends, but his heart burned with a great love for Jesus. From the age of seven, he made daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration the centre of his routine. He often said, "The Eucharist is my highway to heaven." Despite his young age, he was active in helping those in need, especially the homeless. He also helped teach the catechism to children in his parish and was keen to share his faith with his friends. He was greatly loved and admired by his friends for his kindness and sense of humour.
In 2006, Carlo suddenly fell ill, and after twelve days, he died on 12 October at the age of fifteen due to an acute form of leukaemia. In his last days, he endured his illness and accepted his death with incredible faith and courage. On 7 September this year, Pope Leo XIV canonised him as an official saint of the Church.
The Exhibition
From a young age, Carlo was highly skilled with technology, and he decided to use that gift in a great project to spread belief in the Eucharist. Over three years, Carlo meticulously researched and documented more than 160 Church-approved Eucharistic miracles from around the world, creating an online exhibition on his website, miracolieucaristici.org. This archive, including high-resolution images, scientific analyses, and historical accounts, brings together in one place the evidence for the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, which God revealed through extraordinary miracles across the centuries.
This online exhibition has also been transformed into a physical exhibition, featuring a series of panel displays, which has been displayed at thousands of parishes around the world. It is one of these displays that will be visiting Sacred Heart Cathedral, along with a first-class relic.
The example of Saint Carlo’s life brings together faith, devotion, technology, science and youthfulness, which is a witness much needed by our sceptical and secular modern world. Come along to nurture your devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist and to seek inspiration and intercession from this great saint for our time!
