Two exceptional evenings, in Valais, around the heart of Carlo Acutis – Swiss Catholic Portal

On November 27 and 28, 2024, the faithful are invited to venerate the relic of the heart of Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991-2006) at the church of Chalais and at the Basilica of Saint-Maurice (VS). A future saint who speaks particularly to the younger generation.

“Young people feel close to Carlo Acutis,” explains Aline Jacquier, facilitator of ‘Where’s the faith?, the youth ministry of the diocese of Sion and the abbey territory of St-Maurice’, to cath.ch. He is a saint of 21^e century, who lived in the context of today’s youth, especially with all this technical environment, which he used wisely to spread the faith. This is why young people can certainly be inspired by him more than other saints who may seem more abstract and distant.”

A saint 2.0

Carlo Acutis was beatified by Pope Francis in October 2020. He will be canonized by the pontiff, as part of the Jubilee, on April 27, 2025. The faith journey of this Italian who died at the age of 15 is attracting growing interest in the Catholic world. . Born in 1991, he showed early piety, with an intense devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary, even though his family was religious but not particularly practicing. Very interested in the world of IT, he uses these tools for evangelization. He edits films and creates websites (notably for his parish and his high school). His most important work is a traveling exhibition available on the internet on the Eucharistic miracles that took place around the world. He died of leukemia in 2006.

Teaching of the rector of Assisi

His short but intensely lived life inspired many young people around the world, and also in Valais, where an ‘Association of Friends of Carlo Acutis’ was created, based in Chalais, near Sierre. Thanks to this group, the local church already has a relic of the blessed Italian.

The friends of Carlo Acutis, in cooperation with ‘T’as où la foi’ and the Abbey of St-Maurice, however wished to offer the faithful of Switzerland an additional opportunity to venerate the future saint by organizing the arrival of the relic of his heart, on November 27 and 28 at the church of Chalais and at the basilica of Saint-Maurice. The relic, with a traveling vocation, is currently in France and will soon arrive in Valais with the rector of the sanctuary of Assisi, where the tomb of Carlo Acutis is located. Father Marco Gaballo will provide teaching during the event in Valais. Lively masses, times of adoration and confession are also offered. “These evenings will offer a special moment to connect with Carlo Acutis’ message of faith, love and simplicity,” specifies Aline Jacquier. (cath.ch/com/arch/rz)