By UCA News reporter
South Korean clergy and young Catholics have welcomed the relics of Italian teen and youth idol Carlo Acutis who is on the final stage toward sainthood in the Catholic Church.
Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul archdiocese received 16 pieces of hair belonging to Acutis from Father Will Conquer of the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP) on Nov 15, a press release from the archdiocese said.
The relics, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, arrived as the archdiocese prepares to host World Youth Day 2027 in the national capital.
During the ceremony, Father Dominic Jung Young-jin Jung, archdiocesan chancellor, Father Matteo Choi Kwang-hee, archdiocesan spokesperson, Father Peter Yang Joo-yul, executive secretary of the Local Organizing Committee for WYD Seoul 2027 and six representatives of the youth community were present.
Carlo Acutis (1991-2006) was an English-born Italian Catholic youth and computer programmer.
He was known for his love for Christ and devotion to Eucharistic miracles.
Before his death from leukaemia in 2006 at the age of 15, Acutis earned fame for documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world approved by the Catholic Church.
Affectionately referred to as “God’s Influencer,” he adeptly utilized the internet as a medium to disseminate his faith, curating a compilation of Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions on his website, according to the Seoul archdiocese press release.
“His innovative approach to evangelism has left an indelible impact on countless young individuals worldwide. Tragically, Acutis succumbed to acute leukemia in 2006 at the tender age of 15, yet his legacy of steadfast faith and devotion continues to inspire,” it added.
The Vatican beatified and declared him blessed on Oct 10, 2020, just one step away from sainthood.
Reports suggest he might be canonized and officially proclaimed a saint next year.
“The Archdiocese of Seoul eagerly anticipates sharing the enduring message of Blessed Carlo Acutis as it prepares for the forthcoming WYD celebration, ensuring that his journey of faith resonates profoundly with the youth of Korea and beyond,” the release said.
Pope Francis announced Seoul as the next WYD venue during the last gathering in Lisbon, Portugal in August last year.
World Youth Day is a triennial global Catholic event initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1985.
The weeklong event draws tens of thousands of Catholic youths from various parts of the world to celebrate faith through song, dance, prayer, and the sharing of experiences in the presence of the pope. – UCA News
