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Thursday, April 28, 2022, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMThe veneration of relics of saints in the Catholic Church is an ancient tradition. Relics usually include some part taken from the physical remains of a saint or “blessed” held in remembrance of his or her holiness of life and virtue. The custom goes back to the second century in the Church. Different from adoration or worship which is reserved for God alone, veneration pays reverent respect to the physical remains of a saint or blessed precisely because of their virtue, holiness, and closeness to God. Saints or blessed have a special place in the history of the Church and their relics carry a meaning important to the faithful of every era.
Because of his closeness to us in time, the life and holiness of Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991-2006) inspires young people of similar age to recognize that holiness is possible for them as it was for Blessed Carlo. He was a “normal kid” in every way, but he developed a deep and profound spirituality centered upon the Holy Eucharist from a very early age which lasted throughout his brief life.
"The Diocese of Trenton is blessed to have his memory alive among us through the possession of his relic," Bishop O'[Connell stated. "As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I am placing all our Catholic schools of every type and kind within the Diocese under the special patronage and protection of Blessed Carlo Acutis at Mass on April 28, 2022.
"I encourage all our Catholic schools to share information about him, to promote and foster devotion to him as he moves closer to canonization, and to pray for his intercession on behalf of our Catholic schools and the young women and men who strive for holiness in their young lives."
Bishop O'Connell noted that Blessed Carlo Acutis' feast day is Oct. 12. This year's annual Catholic Schools Mass in which students from each of the Diocese's Catholic schools gather for Mass with the Bishop, will be celebrated on Oct. 12.