The parish of Blessed Carlo Acutis, incorporating the churches of St Peter & Paul, St Michael and St Bernadette in Wolverhampton, has this weekend celebrated the feast day of their new patron.

Archbishop Bernard Longley celebrated Mass at SS Peter and Paul, with a proclamation of the new parish and blessing of an image of Blessed Carlo for that church followed with veneration of the relic of Blessed Carlo. His Grace blessed images at each of the other parishes, St Michael’s and St Bermadette’s, with further venerations of the relic.

In his homily, Archbishop Bernard said:

"Now the parishioners of St Bernadette’s in Wombourne, St Michael’s in Penn and Saints Peter and Paul here in the city centre are united in your witness and your mission in a new way – so that you can bring all your people and your resources together to proclaim the Gospel and to serve the poor and needy of this city.

"Today we also thank our Lord for the wonderful examples of evangelisation and service which have been bearing fruit for many years within this parish.  Young people have been nurtured in the University Chaplaincy, at St Edmund’s Catholic Academy and in your three primary schools: St Bernadette’s, St Michael’s and St Peter and St Paul’s.  I am grateful to the representatives of the schools and the university who are here today – Blessed Carlo will surely be a friend and guide to all of you."

Read Archbishop Bernard's Homily on Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish

The three churches held an exhibition of Eucharistic miracles to conclude today, Tuesday 12 October, the actual Feast of Blessed Carlo, with a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament in each church.

In his short life, Blessed Carlo was able to gather as much information as he could about Eucharistic Miracles throughout the ages. He put together a website an exhibition of these stories to encourage people to believe in the Real Presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

The focus today is on the young people in the parish, with Masses held for each Primary School.

As Blessed Carlo had a special regard for the poor of his city, the Second Collection from the weekend will be divided between The Good Shepherd Ministry and supermarket vouchers for 'Free School Meal' families via the Parish Food Collection Team.

The parish has compiled a video of highlights from the celebrations held across the three churches:

Feast Day Highlights

Parish Prayer

THE PARISH OF BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS WOLVERHAMPTON
Founded 15th December 2020
 
O God, our Father, thank you for giving us Carlo,
a model of life for young people,
and a message of love for all.
His love for your Son, Jesus, in the Eucharist,
was his source of strength and his ‘highway to heaven’.
You gave him Mary, as beloved Mother,
and through the Rosary
he sang the praises of her tenderness.
Help us to imitate him by confirming our faith,
nurturing our hope
and strengthening our charity.
Accept his prayer for us.
Look above all upon the poor,
whom he loved and assisted
and through his intercession, may our parish become
a vibrant community of missionary disciples,
dedicated to the fruitful building of your Kingdom.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen.

Photos