W H A T | Veneration of the relic of Saint Carlo Acutis
W H E N | Tuesday, Feb. 10 through Thursday, Feb. 12
W H E R E | Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains: 325 W. 8th St., Cincinnati OH
Release Date: February 6, 2026
Relic of Newest Teenage Saint on Display in Cincinnati Next Week
A rare First-Class pilgrim relic of Saint Carlo Acutis will be available for public veneration February 10-12 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, offering the faithful a unique opportunity to encounter one of the Church’s newest saints.
The relic is a portion of the saint’s pericardium, the membrane that surrounds and protects the heart, making it a relic of profound physical, spiritual, and theological significance. It measures 6 cm in length and 2 cm in height and is preserved in a reliquary 33 cm high and 17 cm wide. It is carried worldwide by the Diocese of Assisi, the official custodian of the relics of Saint Carlo Acutis, in full accordance with Church guidelines.
The relic will be accompanied by Monsignor Anthony Figueriredo, Director of International Affairs and Custodian of the Pericardium Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis for the Diocese of Assisi, Italy. Monsignor Figueriredo will offer special talks during the visit, providing insight into the life, spirituality, and enduring witness of Saint Carlo, as well as the significance of the relic itself. Blessed Carlo Acutis was canonized a saint by Pope Leo XIV, less than 6 months ago, on September 7, 2025.
Physiologically, the pericardium is a sac containing fluid that stabilizes and safeguards the heart and major blood vessels, protecting the body’s most vital organ. Spiritually, the heart has always held deep meaning in the Christian tradition as the seat of love, intention, and relationship with God: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart” (Dt 6:5; Mt 22:37).
From early childhood, Carlo desired a living and personal relationship with Jesus. He received First Holy Communion at the age of seven, telling his parents that day, “Always to be united to Jesus. This is my programme of life.” He nurtured this relationship through what has come to be known as his “programme of life,” centered on five simple but powerful practices: frequent reception of the Eucharist, Eucharistic Adoration, regular Confession and spiritual direction, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints, and concrete acts of charity. Through these practices, Carlo showed that holiness is possible—here and now—for everyone.
Pope Leo XIV highlighted this “programme of life” during his homily to one million young people at the Jubilee of Youth in Rome on August 3, 2025, urging them to follow the example of Saint Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati:
“Jesus is our hope … Let us remain united to him, let us remain in his friendship, always, cultivating it through prayer, adoration, Eucharistic Communion, frequent Confession, and generous charity… Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less.”
The Holy Father reiterated this message during the Mass and Canonization of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis on September 7, 2025, emphasizing that their path to holiness was marked by simple, accessible practices lived with extraordinary love. Quoting Carlo directly, he recalled the young saint’s words: “In front of the sun, you get a tan. In front of the Eucharist, you become a saint!”
The three-day veneration at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains will include Masses, prayer opportunities, special talks, devotional practices, and time for personal veneration of the relic. All are invited to come, learn about Saint Carlo Acutis, and grow closer to Christ through the example of this modern saint whose life continues to inspire the Church today.
See full schedule for the 3-days of veneration: https://cathedralaoc.org/relic-of-st-carlo-acutis/
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati is the 45th largest Catholic diocese in the country, with nearly 440,000 Catholics, and has the fifth largest Catholic school system in terms of enrollment with more than 41,000 students. The 19-county territory includes 199 canonical parishes organized into 57 Families of Parishes, and 111 Catholic primary and secondary schools.
Jennifer Schack
Director of Media Relations
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Office | 513.263.6618
Cell | 859.512.5626
