This Friday, the Diocese of Cartago was bestowed with a sacred treasure—a sample of Carlo Acutis’ hair, marking a momentous occasion in the history of religious artifacts and sainthood. Acutis, a young Catholic figure celebrated for melding faith with modernity, will soon be proclaimed a saint following the Vatican’s acknowledgment of a miracle attributed to him on behalf of a 21-year-old Costa Rican, Valeria Valverde.
Sacred Arrival and Symbolic Significance
The relic, classified as a first-degree relic due to it being a part of the body, arrived in Cartago and was placed in the Cathedral for the weekend. Such relics are profoundly revered in Catholicism, representing a direct link to the saints themselves. David Arley, a priest from the diocese, emphasized the significance of the relic, remarking on Acutis’ exemplary life and deep faith, especially his devotion to the Eucharist.
Ceremonial Celebrations and Future Plans
The celebration continued on Sunday when the relic was moved in a ceremonial procession to the Parish of Santa Maria Goretti in the Pitahaya sector, where it will be housed permanently. This event was not just a transfer of a relic but a spiritual homecoming, with the local Bishop, Mario Enrique Quirós, leading a special mass. The choice of the parish is symbolic, aligning Acutis with St. Maria Goretti, both young and revered figures, now patrons of diocesan youth.
Broader Impact and Acutis’ Legacy
Beyond the immediate celebrations, the Diocese of Cartago announced that other parishes might host the relic temporarily, allowing broader community engagement. Acutis, born in London in 1991 and an active social media user, leveraged digital platforms to spread and deepen faith, earning him the moniker “internet apostle.” His untimely death from leukemia in 2006 only amplified the devotion to him, culminating in his recognition as “venerable” in 2018.
Miraculous Influence and the Path to Sainthood
The recognition of a miracle attributed to Acutis, specifically the unexplained healing of Valeria Valverde, propelled his cause for sainthood forward. This acknowledgment follows an earlier miracle involving a child in Brazil, underscoring Acutis’ burgeoning legacy as an intercessor in times of need.
A Beacon for the Faithful
This event not only enhances the spiritual stature of Cartago but also reaffirms the Catholic Church’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating figures like Acutis, who resonate with the youth and embody a bridge between traditional faith and contemporary life. As the Diocese of Cartago embraces this new chapter, the story of Carlo Acutis is set to inspire generations, blending sanctity with relatability in a modern world.
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