Mysuru: Hundreds of young faithful gathered in Mysuru to honour St. Carlo Acutis, the newly canonized patron saint of youth, during a solemn celebration organized by the Diocese of Mysore. The event, held at St. Philomena’s Shrine and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, reflected the growing devotion to the first millennial saint of the Catholic Church.
Archbishop Bernard Moras, Apostolic Administrator of the diocese, led the Eucharistic celebration, reminding the young people that holiness is attainable even in the midst of modern distractions. He emphasized the Eucharist as the “highway to heaven” and urged the youth to deepen their friendship with Christ through prayer, participation in Sunday Mass, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
The diocesan youth director, Maria Xavier, highlighted the inspiring life of Carlo Acutis, who used his computer skills to spread awareness of Eucharistic miracles. She encouraged young people to follow his example of living faith in daily life with missionary zeal.
A highlight of the celebration was the unveiling and veneration of a relic of St. Carlo Acutis, which drew a large crowd of faithful seeking his intercession. The Mysore City Youth Choir enriched the liturgy with hymns, while the program concluded with thanksgiving prayers and blessings.
The celebration comes shortly after Carlo Acutis’ canonization in Rome on September 7, 2025, when Pope Leo XIV declared him a saint. His feast day has been set for October 12, and churches around the world are preparing commemorations in his honour.
St. Carlo Acutis, who died of leukemia at the age of 15 in 2006, is remembered for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and for creating a digital catalogue of Eucharistic miracles. His witness as a teenager living in a digital era has made him a global role model for Catholic youth.
Across India, similar celebrations have been taking place, including a three-day veneration of his relic in Vasai, Maharashtra, which drew thousands of pilgrims. With his canonization, devotion to St. Carlo Acutis is expected to grow further, especially among young Catholics inspired by his example of holiness in everyday life.