You may have noticed in this month’s Catholic Standard that a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis has arrived in Tasmania, and it has been taken to major centres across the state. For those unfamiliar with the title, ‘Blessed’, it is one step from being canonised (made a saint).   

Who is Blessed Carlo Acutis?  

Carlo was born in London on 3 May 1991 and died in Monza, Italy in 2006 as a result of leukaemia. He was just 15 years old. Carlo had a deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist and used his shared passion for technology to create a website that documented approved Eucharistic Miracles. He was quoted saying that the Holy Eucharist was “the highway to heaven”. Carlo was beatified (made ‘Blessed’) in 2020 and is currently in the process of becoming a canonised saint. He is a role model for young people around the world, drawing many deeper into their Catholic faith.  

Why is Blessed Carlo Acutis coming to Tasmania?  

As Blessed Carlo’s canonisation is approaching, a number of countries have participated in a Tour of Carlo’s Exhibition of Miracles, and veneration of a First-Class Relic of his hair. After recently touring schools and parishes in NSW, we too, are inviting the students and teachers of Tasmania to deepen their faith by encountering this Exhibition, and particularly, by having the opportunity to venerate (that is to honour) the relic. For further information on the exhibitions Blessed Carlo produced, please visit the original website he created: http://www.carloacutis.com 

You may wonder why Catholics venerate relics. Here is an accessible explanation which you may find helpful: Why Do Catholics Venerate Relics? | Simply Catholic 

Carlo’s relic will be in the College’s Sister Ursula Frayne Chapel from late morning Monday 5 August to lunchtime on Wednesday 7 August. We have schools visiting from Rosebery, Smithton, Wynyard, and Burnie. There are opportunities for parishioners and families to view and venerate the relic.  

Several RE classes also have the opportunity to see the Exhibition of Miracles exhibit based on Carlos’s website, see a short presentation, and have the opportunity to reflect and pray. If you would like to visit the exhibition, please contact me or Miss Sophia Teis at the College. The following timeslots are currently available.  

Monday 05/08/2024 

02:55 – 03:45 PARISH  

Tuesday 06/08/2024  

09:45 – 10:40  VACANT 

11.55 – 12.40  VACANT 

02:10 – 02:55 PARISH  

Wednesday 07/08/2024: 

UNAVAILABLE  

  

Mr Peter Douglas 

Director of Faith and Mission