A first-class relic belonging to Blessed Carlo Acutis has arrived in the Diocese of Brooklyn. The relic, which consists of hair trimmings from the Beato Millennial, is housed in the chapel at the Diocese of Brooklyn Chancery.
The Tablet reports that the relic was acquired by the diocese thanks to Msgr. Thomas Machalski. Touched by Bl. Carlo Acutis’ life, Msgr. Machalski wanted to inspire young Catholics in Brooklyn with his faith model. The monsignor organized the request that Rome send the diocese a relic and the Church acquiesced.
Msgr. Machalski told the Tablet:
“I thought it would be a good idea to have a relic brought here, so I asked Bishop DiMarzio if he would issue a request to the bishop over in Italy. And he did!” said Msgr. Machalski, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Bayside. “Carlo Acutis was a young man and the young people in our diocese can relate to him.”
Bl. Carlo Acutis
Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991-2006) has been nicknamed “The Patron Saint of the Internet,” for his work on Catholic websites. The young Italian exhibited a strong devotion to his Catholic faith, attending Mass daily from the age of seven. He passed away in 2006 due to complications from leukemia.
Bl. Carlo Acutis was beatified in 2020 after a miracle was attributed to his intercession. According to Aleteia’s Magnús Sannleikur, a boy suffering from an inoperable condition was healed after venerating one of Bl. Carlo Acutis’ relics.
The Diocese of Brooklyn
The first-class relic of Bl. Carlo Acutis will tour the schools of the Diocese of Brooklyn in September. Afterward, the relic will be moved to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, where it will be a permanent fixture for veneration.
While in the Brooklyn diocese to venerate the relic, visitors may want to explore the many Catholic sites of Brooklyn. One of the few dioceses in the world that contains three basilicas, the Brooklyn diocese contains a plethora of Catholic attractions in a relatively small area.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church is within walking distance of the Cathedral Basilica of St. James. From there, it’s only a few blocks to the newly renovated Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, which could take a day to tour all on its own.
Just about three miles to the south of Sacred Heart stands the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. From there, it’s only about a 10-block walk to the grand Basilica of Regina Pacis. Built in the mid-20th century, the Basilica of Regina Pacis features ceiling frescos to rival those of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Learn more about what the Diocese of Brooklyn has to offer here.
And today we celebrate...