Relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis: to visit Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia
A First-class Relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis will visit the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia from 14th to 17th February, 2025 as preparations take place for his canonisation by Pope Francis in Rome on 27th April, 2025. The relic is a fragment of the membrane surrounding his heart. Bl Carlo was an Italian boy, born in London, who strove for holiness in his ordinary life in Milan before dying from Leukaemia at the age of 15. He used his skills in computer programming, as well as his friendships, to spread the Gospel message. He is a great model for the young people of our Archdiocese.
The relic will be accompanied by Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, Diocese of Assisi. Monsignor Figueiredo is responsible for bringing Blessed Carlo’s Pericardium Heart Relic to different nations and speaking first hand about this inspiring millennial
The relic will visit the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of St David in Cardiff on Friday 14th February, Belmont Abbey on Saturday 15th February and St Joseph’s Co-Cathedral in Swansea and Sacred Heart in Morriston on Sunday 16th February. On Monday 17th February the relic will go to Blessed Carlo Acutis School in Merthyr where Archbishop Mark will celebrate Mass.
Friday 14th February
Cathedral, Cardiff
- 10:00am Mass of welcome of the relic Archbishop Mark to preside and preach
- 10:45am-12:15am Schools Presentation by CA team.
- Opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and veneration of the relic.
- 12:45am-6:00pm
- Daily Cathedral Mass (MD to preside & Msgr Anthony to preach).
- Opportunity for veneration of the relics and Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament •
- Divine Mercy Chaplet • Input from CA Team
- Holy Rosary
- Opportunity to visit the relic and pray
- Evening Prayer & Benediction
- 6:30pm Holy Mass – Monsignor Anthony to preside and preach. Opportunity for veneration of the relics.
Saturday 15th February
Belmont Abbey
- 11:00am Reception of the Relic
- 11:30am Holy Mass celebrated by Abbot Brendan
After Mass veneration of the relic
- 1:00pm Talk on Bl Carlo Acutis (by Mgr Anthony)
- 1:30pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Local Parishes lead reflections with opportunity for confession
- 4:00pm Parish Vigil Mass for Sunday with schola
After Mass veneration of the relic
- 5:00pm Rosary and Devotions
- 6:00pm Vespers followed by the Departure of the Relic.
- 7:00pm Departure of the relic
Sunday 16th February
Co-Cathedral, Swansea
- 8:00am Arrival of Relics for Mass. Homily by Mgr Anthony.
- 9:00am Veneration of the Relic, reflections on Blessed Carlo, music and hymns.
- 10:00am Holy Mass. Homily by Fr Mathew Roche-Saunders.
- 11:30am Veneration of the Relic, music and hymns by the team, reflections on Blessed Carlo, Rosary, and a hymn to the Blessed Sacrament and/or Our Lady.
- 12:30pm Confirmation group and youth from St Joseph’s: reflections and presentation on the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, followed by veneration of the Relic, Rosary, hymns, and music by the team.
- 2:00pm First Communion class children with pupils from St Joseph’s and St Illtyd’s Primary Schools. Presentation on the life of Blessed Carlo, veneration of the Relic, prayer, and hymn/music by the team.
- 3:00pm Holy Hour.
- 4:00pm Benediction.
Diocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy Church of the Sacred Heart Church, Morriston
- 5:00pm Assembly at Sacred Heart Parish Hall – refreshments, documentary, and music practice.
- 5:45pm Reception of the Relic.
- 6:00pm Opening prayers, followed by a talk on the life of Blessed Carlo.
- 6:30pm Break.
- 6:50pm Candlelit procession to the church.
- 7:00pm Holy Hour and Rosary, with Confession.
- 8:00pm Mass with veneration of the Relics after Mass
Monday 16th February
Blessed Carlo Acutis School, Merthyr
- 1:30pm Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Mark at the Bishop Hedley Campus. All are welcome to attend, but please let the school know if you wish to on 01685 351870.
