Cardinal Nichols celebrates Thanksgiving Mass for Canonisation of St Carlo Acutis

The Mass Our Lady of Dolours church in Fulham - with the new statue of St Carlo Acutis

Source: Archbishops House

When Antonia Salzano and Andrea Acutis brought their newborn son to the Church of Our Lady of Dolours on Fulham Road for baptism, just fifteen days after his birth in 1991, they could never have imagined that, only thirty-four years later, Carlo would be declared a saint by the Pope.

Even more remarkable is the fact that same church would one day be overflowing with worshippers gathered for a Mass of Thanksgiving for the Canonisation of Saint Carlo Acutis. With standing room only, it was a testament to the enduring impact of Carlo's brief but radiant life, the lessons he continues to offer, and the powerful ways in which he intercedes for us still.

The Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, was held just one week after the young saint's canonisation.

In his homily, Bishop Nicholas Hudson, who had been present at the canonisation in Rome, spoke movingly about Carlo's extraordinary devotion, especially his profound love for the Eucharist.

'The words we hear today on the lips of Jesus, Carlo believed fully - when Jesus says, "whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life." "The Eucharist is my highway to heaven," was the way he expressed it.

'He used to say he couldn't understand how people could queue for hours to hear a rock band but that no one would be waiting to enter a church to be with Jesus.

'St Irenaeus was famous for saying: "The glory of God is a human being fully alive." Carlo understood from a very young age that being fully alive means that you walk this life with Jesus. He filled so much into his life that he needed an agenda even as a teenager.'

There will soon be another opportunity for people to follow the example of Saint Carlo Acutis and deepen their love for the Eucharist at the upcoming Eucharistic Festival in Westminster Cathedral, which will include the veneration of a relic of the newly canonised saint.

Saint Carlo Acutis, pray for us.