With gratitude to Mrs. Alivia Arabo and Bishop Francis Kalabat, Catholic Central High School is honored to host a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis on Monday, May 5.

Thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Arabo and Bishop Kalabat, who received the relic directly from Carlo’s mother, our school community had the rare and powerful opportunity to pray in the presence of a relic from one of the most inspiring young Catholics of the 21st century.

Although Blessed Carlo was scheduled to be canonized a saint on April 27, the Vatican has postponed the canonization process following the untimely death of Pope Francis. 

Nevertheless, Carlo’s influence continues to grow, particularly among young people, who see in him a relatable model of holiness, humility, and deep love for the Eucharist.

Mrs. Arabo, who arrived on campus earlier this month, brought the relic to the chapel on May 5. In addition to this special visit, she and her family are generously donating a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis for our chapel, where it will be enshrined for permanent veneration.

“This is a powerful moment for our school,” said Director of Campus Ministry, Kevin Walters. “Carlo Acutis lived a life of holiness in the digital age. His witness reminds us that sainthood is not out of reach; it’s something all of us are called to pursue.”

Born in 1991, Carlo was known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist, attending daily Mass and praying the Rosary regularly from a young age. He also used his tech skills to build a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles around the world, a testament to his passion for evangelization through modern means. Diagnosed with leukemia at age 15, Carlo offered his suffering to God and passed away in 2006. He was beatified in 2020.

To help students learn more about his extraordinary life, theology teachers have been asked to share a brief video about Carlo with their classes ahead of Monday’s event. On May 5, theology classes visited the chapel throughout the day to venerate the relic and pray for his intercession.

A recent documentary highlighted by Detroit Catholic, titled “New documentary on Blessed Carlo Acutis aims to show holiness is possible today,” captures the essence of Carlo’s legacy, a young man who chose God above all else in a world full of distractions.

Students and staff are encouraged to take this special opportunity to reflect on Blessed Carlo’s life and pray for the courage to live their faith with similar joy and authenticity.

As we welcome this holy relic into our midst, may we be inspired by Blessed Carlo’s simple yet profound motto: “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.”