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The Parish of the Sacred Heart & St Oswald’s in Peterborough welcomed the relics of Saint Carlo Acutis for a weekend of prayer, Mass and veneration on 3 and 4 October.
Parishioners, families and visitors from across the Diocese of East Anglia were invited to take part in a programme that included talks about the saint, opportunities for confession, the Divine Mercy Novena and special blessings for children.
Born in London in 1991 and brought up in Milan, Carlo developed a deep devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist. He attended Mass daily and used his computing skills to share his faith, creating an online exhibition documenting Eucharistic miracles. His life combined an enthusiasm for technology with prayer and practical kindness towards others.
Carlo died from leukaemia in 2006, aged 15. He was canonised by Pope Leo XIV on 7 September 2025, alongside Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati. His example offers particular encouragement to young people, showing how faith can shape everyday life through friendship with Jesus and service to others.
The Peterborough programme began with the arrival of the relics at St Oswald’s Church on Saturday morning. A Pilgrim Mass at noon was followed by a talk and veneration, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about Saint Carlo and spend time in prayer.
The afternoon programme included the Divine Mercy Novena and a Tamil Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Christy, followed by confessions and an evening Mass.
Sunday’s programme included Masses at St Oswald’s Church and a noon Mass at Sacred Heart Primary School in Bretton, enabling the community worshipping there to share in the visit. A closing Mass at St Oswald’s brought the weekend to an end with thanksgiving.
Veneration of relics honours a saint’s life and witness, drawing the faithful towards the God whom they loved and served. The celebration of the Eucharist was central to the weekend, reflecting its importance in Carlo’s own life.
Families were invited to bring their hopes, concerns and prayer intentions, seeking Saint Carlo’s intercession for their children and for all in need of encouragement or healing. Those unable to attend were encouraged to send petitions and join the parish spiritually in prayer.
The visit offered an opportunity to deepen devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist and reflect on Saint Carlo’s example of prayer, generosity and joyful faith.
