Saint Carlo Acutis: The millennial saint

Carlo Acutis, a London-born teenager, was declared a saint on Sunday 7th September 2025. He is the first saint of the millennial generation. Born in 1991 and growing up in Milan, Italy, Acutis passed away in 2006 at the age of 15 due to leukaemia. His life, though short, was marked by a profound faith and a passion for technology, which he used to spread the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

Carlo had great devotion to the Eucharist and he created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles.

 He was passionate about caring for others, particularly the vulnerable, and in school he stood up for people who were bullied. He famously encouraged all his friends to embrace their uniqueness, urging them to be ‘originals not photocopies.’ His dedication to faith and skill with technology earned him recognition within the Catholic community and beyond. 

Pope Francis has formally recognised two miracles attributed to Carlo, paving the way for his canonisation as a saint in April 2025. He will be the first millennial saint, a testament to his enduring impact and the inspiration he continues to provide to young people. This is why he is chosen as the patron of Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust.

Hosting the relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis

Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust were honoured to host the relics of its patron, Blessed Carlo Acutis, during March 2025.

Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo and Gwen Wiseman accompanied the relics from Assisi, Italy, where the tomb of Blessed Carlo is located, and visited a number of venues during the visit.

The major relic, a part of Blessed Carlo’s pericardium, (‘the cushion of his heart,) as well as relics of Blessed Carlo’s hair, clothing and hospital sheet, were welcomed by staff and pupils of St Bede’s Catholic School, Lanchester, on Thursday 27 March. Representatives from 40 Trust schools were present for the visit and a thought-provoking and very moving celebration of the word was enhanced by music provided by the school choir. Mr Shaller, St Bede’s Head of Music, arranged a special hymn to Blessed Carlo, Dear Carlo Acutis, how can we compare you?  by David Marin, which beautifully captured the sentiments of the celebration.

The relics moved from St Bede’s to Emmaus Village, where representatives from St Thomas More School, Blaydon, as well as pupils from St Mary’s, Our Lady and St Joseph’s, St Pius X and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary Schools in Consett, joined the Youth Ministry Team for the celebration of Holy Mass. 

At the end of the school day, the relics were taken to BWCET HQ where members of staff from across the Trust were able to pray together and reflect on the life of Blessed Carlo.

On Friday 28 March, pupils from St Michael’s Catholic  Primary School, Houghton-le-Spring, led their parish community in prayer in the presence of the relic, and the congregation were deeply moved by the experience.

On Saturday 29 March, Seamus, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, was joined by a number of priests for the celebration of Mass in the presence of the relic at Cardinal Hume Catholic School, Wrekenton. The diocesan choir led the congregation beautifully and pupils from the school, along with their chaplain, Mrs Proctor, and the Youth Ministry Team were generous hosts to visitors from the region and across the country. Later in the day, Monsignor Anthony gave an inspiring talk on the life of Blessed Carlo, and priests were available all day to hear confessions.

The visit has had a profound impact on the Trust, and on many individuals. As Blessed Carlo now embarks on his final journey to canonosation in April 2025, there is no doubt that everyone who had the opportunty to venerate his relics and to feel close to him, will receive great graces and blessings.

Our thanks go to Fr Marc Lyden-Smith, our diocesan priests, and to the many BWCET employees who worked hard to make this momentous visit such a great success.