South teens walk in the footsteps of Blessed Carlo Acutis

While teenagers are making their way to Rome for the Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis on July 13, the teenagers of the Southern Vicariate have been reflecting on the Eucharistic miracles and actively promoting the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Blessed Carlo Acutis is being canonised as a saint because of his evangelical work, particularly through the internet. One of his major initiatives was the creation of a virtual exhibition of all the approved Eucharistic miracles from around the world. This exhibition has since been printed and promoted globally in multiple languages.

Reflection on these miracles has led many to a deeper faith in Jesus Christ, who is truly present in the Eucharist and renews His love for us every time we receive Holy Communion or spend time with Him in Adoration.

This mission engaged teenagers in Confirmation classes and Catholic secondary schools across the Southern Vicariate.  The initiative was jointly coordinated by the Southern Catechetical Office and the Southern Vicar’s Office. Between five to ten exhibits or miracles were assigned to Confirmation candidates in both parishes and schools.

Teens were asked to reflect on the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and why they thought He revealed Himself in the particular miracle assigned to them. They were also invited to consider how these miracles affect their own lives and how they might live more ‘eucharistically’. They also exposed the exhibits with the miracles to others, raising awareness of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist.

On Sunday, June 8, the Feast of Pentecost, teens from parishes and schools gathered at La Divina Pastora Church, Siparia to celebrate and open a grand exhibition of Eucharistic miracles as documented by Carlo Acutis.  The exhibition will remain open to the public until June 22.

It is hoped that those visiting this sacred site will also take time to experience the exhibition, and it will deepen their appreciation of Jesus living among us in the Eucharist. It is also hoped that this Corpus Christi will be celebrated more deeply and meaningfully, as we walk the streets with Jesus.

After June 22, the teenagers will again have the exhibition in their parish and schools for further reflection and mission.

In October, the exhibition will move to another vicariate, with the hope that it will eventually travel throughout the Archdiocese. The entire project was funded by the teenagers themselves, together with one anonymous donor.

—Bernadette Gopaul-Ramkhalawan, catechist