TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — The Diocese of Tarlac marked a historic moment of faith on October 4, 2026, as the first-class relic of St. Carlo Acutis was formally enshrined at the San Sebastian Cathedral.
The unveiling coincided with the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Most Rev. Roberto Mallari, D.D., Bishop of Tarlac, led the Holy Mass where the relic was officially placed in its permanent shrine inside the cathedral.
The relic, a portion of the saint’s body (ex corpore), was personally received by Bishop Mallari and Rev. Fr. Nico De Leon from the Santuario della Spogliazione in Assisi, Italy—the sacred site where the remains of Acutis lie.
The relic was obtained last September during their visit to the Vatican, where Pope Leo XIV met with 83 cardinals and bishops from 40 countries associated with the Focolare Movement.
Known as the “millennial saint,” Carlo Acutis was celebrated for his extraordinary devotion to the Holy Eucharist, which he called his “highway to heaven.” He also used technology and the internet to spread awareness of Eucharistic Miracles worldwide.
Despite his early death at age 15 in 2006, his simple, joyful, and faithful life continues to inspire young people and families.
A Gift for the Diocese
In his remarks during the Mass, Fr. Nico recounted the journey of obtaining the relic.
“Seven months ago, sumulat po ang ating obispo sa obispo sa Assisi para humingi ng first class relic. At matapos po ‘yung anim na buwan, doon pa lamang sila sumagot na mabibiyayaan nga ‘yung ating diyosesis ng relic ni Carlo Acutis,” he said.
Fr. Nico emphasized the significance of the relic for the local Church.
“Hindi na natin kailangang pumunta pa sa Assisi dahil nagbigay na ang Assisi ng first class relic ni Carlo Acutis na mananatili dito sa ating katedral sa San Sebastian,” he said.
He also read the Certificate of Authentication from the Archbishop of Assisi, which stated that the relic was taken from authentic places and placed in a golden theca, secured with a red silk cord and the archbishop’s seal, dated March 23, 2026.
A Saint for the Young
Bishop Mallari, in his closing remarks before the final blessing, reflected on the life of Acutis.
“Si Carlo Acutis ang isa sa mga santo talaga na nakaranas ng kapayapaan at walang takot na hinarap pati po ‘yung sakit niya na leukemia,” he said.
“He was facing it with so much courage and sa totoo, parang despite the sickness, nandoon pa rin ‘yung joy because he was always in God,” Bishop Mallari added.
The bishop encouraged the faithful to seek the grace to value prayer and to recognize God’s presence in their daily lives, reminding them that God walks with them in hardship and in joy.
The permanent placement of the relic aims to open the door for public veneration and serve as a source of spiritual renewal for all believers. The community, especially the youth, is invited to draw inspiration from the life of a modern saint who proved that holiness is always within reach in today’s world.
