Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis to visit 16 dioceses

MANILA, Philippines — The pericardium heart relic of Saint Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, will visit 16 dioceses in Luzon starting today until Dec. 15.

According to CBCPNews, the official news service provider of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, the pericardium heart relic of Saint Carlo Acutis will be in the country for an 18-day pilgrimage.

Acutis, patron saint of the internet, was canonized by Pope Leo XIV last Sept. 7.

The relic, which came from Perugia, Italy, arrived in the country yesterday.

It will make its first stop at Malolos Cathedral today, where Bishop Dennis Villarojo will preside over a 9 a.m. mass followed by public veneration.

On Saturday, the relic will be brought to the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian in Manila; National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Valenzuela City on Dec. 2; International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City on Dec. 5; National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran on Dec. 6; Parish and National Shrine of St. Padre Pio on Dec. 11; and at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary La Naval de Manila (Sto. Domingo Church) on Dec. 12.

The relic’s last stop will be at the San Felipe Neri Parish in Mandaluyong City on Dec. 14 before it returns to Perugia, Italy.

Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo of the Diocese of Assisi, who oversees the relic’s international travels, said the journey aims to inspire young people and deepen their faith.

“Young people, you are all invited to come and venerate the relic of St. Carlo Acutis,” Figueiredo said in a video message recorded beside the saint’s tomb at the Sanctuary of the Renunciation.

He recalled the words of the young Italian Saint: “To love what awaits us tomorrow is to give today the best of our fruit.”

The relic tour is organized with local bishops and the Friends of St. Carlo Acutis – Philippines (FSCAPh), a group promoting devotion to the Church’s first millennial saint.

Bishop Villarojo, episcopal promoter of FSCAPh, invited the faithful to join in welcoming the relic, noting that the saint showed a remarkable love for the Lord in the modern world, especially through his devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.