Sunday 7 September marked the historic canonisation of St Carlo Acutis and St Pier Giorgio Frassati.

Here’s how people across the archdiocese celebrated:

St Stephen’s Church in Warrington welcomed people for solemn evening prayer, benediction and veneration of relics of both of the saints. There was also an exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles designed by St Carlo on display.

Parish priest, Fr John McLoughlin said: “There’s been an excitement in getting the church ready, I watched the canonisation with some of our parishioners before Mass and it was very moving to think that we’re connected with the universal church. We very much felt like we were part of what was happening in Rome.”

Ahead of the canonisation, St Sebastian’s Church in Liverpool unveiled the new Saint Carlo Acutis room at the back of the church – a project which has been ongoing since January.

The room is used by various groups, both from the parish and external groups, aswell as being the setting for weekday Masses.

At the beginning of the year, the regular weekday Mass attendees decided to rename the room the Blessed Carlo Acutis Room. Since then, they have organised various fundraising events across both Saint Oswald’s and St Sebastian’s parishes. Thanks to their efforts, a new floor has been laid, a new icon of St Carlo Acutis has been purchased, and new signage—both inside and outside the room—has been installed.

Fr Liam Collister said: “This work has brought our communities closer, as we worked towards getting the room ready for the canonisation. Now we have the Saint Carlo Acutis Room all sorted, we are looking forward to another project, possibly in St Oswald’s, in the future!”

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On the day of the canonisation, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs & St Swithin’s Church, Croxteth, handed over the liturgy to the young people of the parish. The parish said: “It was a truly joyous and uplifting celebration of Mass at which our young people showed us the gifts and talents that they have been blessed with. We too are truly blessed to have so many amazing young people in our parish. Thank you all for the amazing contribution you make.”

On Tuesday 9 September, Lourdes youth coach 6 is hosting an evening for young Catholics (aged15–21) to catch up, make new friends, and think about how the saints can inspire us today.

The gathering is a way for the Lourdes group to reconnect following the July pilgrimage, pray together and keep the spirit alive.

The group will meet at 6.30pm at St Joseph’s parish club, Penketh for social time followed by quiet time of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the church.

Did your parish or school celebrate? Let us know more details by emailing communications@rcaol.org.uk

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