Church install shrine dedicated to Italian teenager Carlo Acutis

A SHRINE dedicated to an Italian teenager who was beatified by the Catholic Church in 2020 was installed in St Kilian’s Church in Kingswood last month.

It is dedicated to Blessed Carlo Acutis, who died in 2006 at age 15 after being diagnosed with leukaemia.

Carlo was a devoted Catholic during his short life and was notable for his acts of kindness and selflessness, such as giving his birthday gifts to children in need and picking up litter.

He also created a website dedicated to cataloguing each reported Eucharistic miracle in the world, and, after his death, miracles such as the disappearance of a cancerous tumour were attributed to him.

The new shrine includes a painting of Carlo, and features a display of a prayer to him and also a short biography on a wall in the church.

The parish priest of Kilnamanagh-Castleview, Fr Frank Drescher, said: “Introducing the relic shrine in our church provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight a contemporary model of sainthood.

“Blessed Carlo’s approach to using digital media to deepen and share his Catholic faith speaks particularly to our younger parish members.

“It demonstrates that living a holy and devout life is both achievable and relevant in today’s digital age.”

He added that parish members and visitors are welcome to come to the church and view the new shrine.