‘Youthful zeal’ of St Carlo’s heart draws faithful from across the Diocese

More than 4,000 people visited St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta from September 28 to 30 to venerate a relic of St Carlo Acutis. The first-class relic, a piece of the saint's pericardium, arrived as part of a four-month tour of Australia under the custodianship of the Diocese of Assisi.

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv celebrated the opening Mass to welcome the relic. During the 22 hours the relic remained at the cathedral, visitors participated in Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, Benediction, and Confession. Attendees also received individual blessings, heard talks about the life of the millennial saint, and attended several Masses.

Assistant Priest Fr Andrew Rooney noted that the presence of the relic was a privilege for the parish and the diocese. He stated that the experience would have a lasting impact on him.