On January 22nd 2026, our school was deeply honoured to welcome a first-class relic of St Carlo Acutis, marking a truly prayerful and moving moment in the life of our Catholic community. This rare and sacred experience offered students and staff the opportunity to encounter holiness in a profound and tangible way. We recognise that this was an opportunity that many people may never experience.
This visit followed the renaming of one of our school buildings in November in honour of St Carlo Acutis, a young saint whose life continues to inspire people across the world. Known for his deep love of the Eucharist and his use of technology to share the faith, St Carlo Acutis provides a powerful and relatable example of holiness for young people today.
The visit was led by Sister Anna, who shared personal insights into the life of St Carlo Acutis. Sister Anna had a close connection with Carlo’s family, serving as a governess to his brother and sister for three years following Carlo’s death. Her testimony brought depth, authenticity, and warmth, helping our community to understand not only Carlo’s faith, but the ordinary yet extraordinary way he lived his life.
Through prayer, reflection, and storytelling, students learned about Carlo’s short but impactful life, the miracles associated with him, and the journey that led to his canonisation. Many students were particularly inspired by how Carlo used his gifts, especially technology, to evangelise and serve others.
The presence of the relic was treated with the utmost reverence. Students and staff took time for quiet prayer and reflection, creating a calm and sacred atmosphere throughout the visit. For many, this was a moment that encouraged personal reflection on faith, values, and what it means to live a life rooted in love, compassion, and service.
The experience helped students to see that saints are not distant historical figures, but real people who lived faithfully in the modern world. St Carlo Acutis’ life reminded us that holiness is possible for everyone, regardless of age.
Welcoming the relic of St Carlo Acutis and honouring him within our school has further strengthened our Catholic identity. The building named after St Carlo Acutis now serves as a visible and lasting reminder of our commitment to Gospel values and to forming young people spiritually, morally, and socially.
Events such as this are an important part of our mission to place Christ at the centre of school life and to support our students in their faith journey. The reflections and feedback shared by students and staff have shown the lasting impact of this experience on our community. Many members of our school community were also able to receive a third-class relic prayer card as a keepsake as a reminder that St Carlo is one of our "friends in heaven", which we hope will serve as a lasting reminder of God’s presence in their lives and an encouragement to continue growing in faith.
As a school, we are committed to building on this special moment by continuing to draw inspiration from modern saints like St Carlo Acutis through prayer, Religious Education, and collective worship. We remain grateful for the opportunity to share in such a meaningful encounter and for the privilege of experiencing faith lived so beautifully.