By Tabitha Smith
HOUNSLOW – Students and staff of St Michael and St Martin Catholic Primary School in Hounslow hosted an exhibition on Blessed Carlo Acutis in anticipation of his canonization.
The event was attended by pupils, parents, local Catholic schools and representatives from the Diocese of Westminster Education Department.
The exhibition showcased the life and legacy of Acutis, a British-born Italian teenager known for his devotion to the Eucharist who used technology as a tool for evangelizing, including creating a website on Eucharistic miracles.
He is attributed with calling the Eucharist his “highway to heaven”.
Blessed Carlo was expected to be canonized in Rome on Apr 27 during the Jubilee of Teenagers, but the canonization was postponed following the death of Pope Francis.
The school created interactive displays, including videos, comic books, word searches, online quizzes and QR codes linking to Acutis’ website. A small chapel dedicated to him was also used as a space for reflection and prayer.
The school community worked over the Easter holidays to produce “information and artwork to celebrate and share his story”.
A representative from St Michael and St Martin Primary School said: “The children and staff have been deeply inspired by the life and work of Bl. Carlo Acutis, and we wanted to share this passion with our wider community.
“The event was very moving and informative for our children, parents, and the schools in our deanery, and we were delighted to see such a positive response.”
Headteacher, Nicola Duggan, said: “We had a wonderful day celebrating the upcoming Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis with neighbouring Catholic schools. The interactive elements of the exhibition were included as a nod to his interest in technology.
“We hope the children were inspired by his story and commitment to God and that they will follow his example in their daily lives”.
The Vatican is yet to confirm when Blessed Carlo will be canonized. – The Tablet
