“He told me I would be happier if I came to know Jesus.” So said Rajesh, a worker who lived in the same area as Carlo Acutis and eventually became his friend. Since Carlo constantly spoke about his love for Christ, he led Rajesh to become Catholic.
We, the Franciscan Friars, shared this same desire: through this young man, to help more young people discover God’s love. For this reason, we contacted the Sanctuary of the Spoliation in Assisi to obtain a relic for our seminary at the Ta’ Ġieżu formation house in Rabat. In October 2021, the relic arrived and was first exposed during a diocesan youth event at Ta’ Pinu, marking World Youth Day celebrated at Christ the King.
From there, it was like a spark igniting a flame that drew many devotees. When we saw hundreds of people coming to pray before Carlo Acutis’ relic, we decided not to keep it for ourselves but to use it as a means of apostolate in towns, schools, parishes, and groups. We visited several schools in Malta and Gozo. Each school organised its programme of activities, adoration, sharing moments, silent prayer with the relic, processions, quizzes, and more. In some schools, students left their classrooms to view the relic, while in others, the relic visited class by class.
It was also an opportunity for students to speak with a Franciscan friar about Carlo Acutis, Franciscan life, and the faith. We shared many beautiful and powerful experiences with children, youth, and staff. One special case was a boy whose school was visited by the relic while he was in England receiving treatment; his family came on his behalf to pray for Blessed Carlo’s intercession. Another remarkable moment occurred when a teacher warned that a particular class, known for its challenging behaviour, might benefit from a brief visit. To our surprise, during the relic’s presence, that very class showed excellent conduct and became the most engaged group in the school, sparking a lively discussion about Carlo Acutis.
Fra Lorrie Zerafa OFM
Contact information
Anyone who wishes to host this experience in a group, school, or parish may contact:
Fra Lorrie Zerafa OFM
Santa Marija Ta’ Ġieżu, St. Paul’s Street, Rabat, RBT 1245
Mobile number: 79047315
Email address: [email protected]