The City of St. Augustine has so much history to offer anyone who visits, but soon it will have another draw for people around the world to come and see with a relic, representing the spirit and legacy of Blessed Carlo Acutis.
Acutis’ relic will be placed alongside that of St. Benedict the Moor and new statues of both influential figures at St. Benedict the Moor Mission Church located at 86 Martin Luther King Ave. in St. Augustine.
The installation of the relic will mark the church’s new status as a pilgrimage destination for Catholics across the world to visit.
A special ceremony making the relic an official part of the site is scheduled on August 3 and will be part of a larger “Day of Youth,” celebration the Diocese of St. Augustine is putting on for the community.
Bishop Erik Pohlmeier has invited the entire community to come out and take part in the festivities, which will include a mass at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church beginning at 10 a.m. followed by lunch and games from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
There will also be a scavenger hunt designed to get the entire family involved from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and some of the stops will include the Sisters of St. Joseph Convent, Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, Tolomato Cemetery and the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios.
It is fitting the events are all part of a grander “Day of Youth” celebration because it celebrates the life and inspiration of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who was a digital-age influencer on his path to sainthood before dying from leukemia at the age of 15 in 2006.
He was known for his devotion to Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions, which he catalogued on a website he designed.
Acutis will hold a historic place as he will be the first Millennial saint, having been born in Generation Y.
Pope Francis and the Consistory of Cardinals voted to approve his canonization as well as that of 14 others and he is expected to be proclaimed a saint during the 2025 Jubilee.
Interested individuals and families can register by going to BlessedCarlo.com, which ensures adequate seating and catering for participants. There is a suggested donation of $25 per person, which covers lunch, memorabilia and activities during the day.
