Kochi: In a landmark event for the faithful, the Archdiocese of Verapoly celebrated the flag hoisting for the first feast of the world’s first church dedicated to Saint Carlo Acutis at Pallikkara, Kakkanad, along the Wonderla route. The ceremony, marked by solemnity and joy, was presided over by His Grace Dr. Francis Kallarakal, former Metropolitan Archbishop of Verapoly, and witnessed by a gathering of priests, parish representatives, and devotees.
Joining Archbishop Kallarakal were Fr. Sojan Maliyekkal, Financial Administrator of the Archdiocese, Fr. Rajeev Jose Kainikkatt, Fr. Rocky Kollamparambil, and several other clergy members who underscored the spiritual significance of the occasion. The flag hoisting marks a historic milestone, celebrating the church as the first in the world to bear the name of Saint Carlo Acutis, the young Italian saint celebrated for his deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist and his pioneering use of digital media to spread faith.
The church, now a beacon for the youth, particularly teenagers and young adults, seeks to inspire a generation navigating the modern, technology-driven world. Saint Carlo, often referred to as the Patron of the Internet and the Cyber World, serves as a model of purity, faith, and missionary zeal in the digital age. The faithful see the Pallikkara church as a living testament to his message that “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.”
Holy Masses for the feast were celebrated on Saturday at 6:00 p.m., with Sunday services scheduled at 5:00 p.m., expected to draw large crowds of devoted worshippers. The recently consecrated church, inaugurated by Archbishop Dr. Joseph Kalathiparambil, represents a strategic effort by the Church to connect with young Catholics, offering them tangible examples of sanctity relevant to contemporary life.
The Archdiocese emphasized that the feast serves both as a spiritual celebration and as a call to live faith authentically amidst the challenges of modern technology. Fr. Yesudas Pazhampilly, Director of the Archdiocese Public Relations Department, and Adv. Sherry J Thomas, PRO, coordinated media outreach and communications, ensuring that the historic occasion reached the wider faithful community.
The Pallikkara celebration underscores the Church’s evolving mission: to inspire, educate, and guide the youth through examples of sanctity like Saint Carlo Acutis, integrating traditional devotion with the realities of a digital world. The event stands as a beacon of hope and spiritual engagement for young Catholics, demonstrating that holiness can thrive even in the era of screens and social media.