Faithful of the Melbourne Eparchy Prayed Before the Relics of St Carlo Acutis
In September and October, the relics of St Carlo Acutis, one of the youngest saints of the Catholic Church and the first millennial saint, were present in two parishes of the Melbourne Eparchy, in Sydney and Melbourne. Australia became the 25th country visited by the relic.
The relics of St Carlo Acutis were brought from Assisi to Australia as part of a nationwide pilgrimage organised by the Friends of St Carlo Acutis. The first-class relic brought to Australia is a fragment of the saint’s pericardium. From June until the end of October, the relics are visiting Catholic dioceses, parishes and communities across Australia. Kate Hobbs is the official custodian of the relic during its time in Australia.
On 21–22 September, the relics of St Carlo were at St Andrew’s Parish in Sydney. On 1 October, the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, they arrived at the Cathedral Church of Ss Peter and Paul in Melbourne, where they were welcomed by Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne.
The visit of the relics to the Cathedral began with the Divine Liturgy, presided over by Bishop Mykola. In his homily, the Cardinal spoke about the life of St Carlo Acutis, his path to holiness and his profound love for the Holy Eucharist.
“Carlo was a teenager of our own century—he loved computers, football, friends, laughter. But he also loved the Eucharist with a purity that astonished even seasoned priests. He used to say, ‘In front of the sun you get a tan; in front of the Eucharist you become a saint.’ He understood that the Holy of Holies is no longer hidden behind a curtain. It is here, on our altar, in every Divine Liturgy, in every tabernacle of every parish. Carlo’s life was a living Pokrov: he placed himself under the mantle of the Mother of God, and she led him directly to her Son.”
In both parishes, during the visit of the relics, the faithful had the opportunity to pray before them, asking for the intercession of St Carlo Acutis in their personal needs, for their families, parish communities and the Church, as well as for Ukraine and for peace throughout the world. Visitors were also able to learn more about the life of St Carlo and view an exhibition dedicated to Eucharistic miracles, which he had researched and documented during his lifetime.
St Carlo Acutis was born in London on 3 May 1991 and grew up in Milan. From an early age, he had a particular love for the Eucharist. He also used his interest in computer technology to create a website where he collected and presented information about Eucharistic miracles from around the world. He died of leukaemia on 12 October 2006 at the age of 15. On 7 September 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonised Carlo Acutis.
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