Canonisation of St. Carlo Acutis Celebrated in Agonda, Goa

Agonda, Goa, September 9, 2025: The parishioners of St. Anne’s Church in Agonda, Goa, celebrated the canonisation of St. Carlo Acutis on September 7 with a solemn event at the church premises. Children, youth, and the elderly of the parish joined a prayerful procession and gathered in a serene garden adjacent to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, where a statue of the young saint stands. Incensing the statue, parish priest Fr. Patrick Luis led the parishioners in venerating the image of St. Carlos Acutis and thanking the Almighty for giving the Church such a model of youthful holiness. 

A Chapel Born from Longing

The Blessed Sacrament Chapel and its adjoining garden were born from the parish’s desire to promote devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. “We wanted something that would inspire our people to visit the Eucharistic Lord with love and devotion,” said Fr. Patrick Luis, Parish Priest of St. Anne’s Church. The chapel bears the comforting words of Jesus: “Fear not, it is I” (Mt. 14:27). Recalling Blessed Carlo’s passion for the Eucharist and his work in documenting Eucharistic miracles online, the parish envisioned a garden leading to the chapel, featuring his statue and panels showcasing Eucharistic miracles from around the world.

A Garden of Miracles

The garden features depictions of four Eucharistic Miracles: the Miracle of Bergen, Netherlands (1421), the Miracle of Głotowo, Poland (1290), the Miracle of Cascia, Italy (1330), and the Miracle of Silla, Spain (1907). These testimonies of faith gently guide visitors toward the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, strengthening their devotion. The space was inaugurated and blessed on July 2, 2023, by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão. On the same day, the long-awaited chapel was also solemnly blessed.

“This was our way of attracting children and youth to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel,” explained Fr. Patrick. “By reminding them of the life and witness of Carlo Acutis, we hope they too will grow in love for Jesus in the Eucharist.”

Faith Rekindled in the Young

For parish youth coordinator Melbourne Fernandes, Blessed Carlo’s life was transformative. “As a child, I often prayed before the Blessed Sacrament, but doubts lingered. Learning about Carlo’s devotion and exploring his website led to all my doubts being cleared,” he shared. “Now I feel a thirst to spend more time before the Blessed Sacrament, pouring out my innermost feelings to my best friend, who listens and answers me,” Melbourne said.

Teenager Valaida Miranda echoed this sentiment. "The statue of St. Carlo in front of the prayer room has strengthened my faith and trust in God and inspired me to grow in devotion to the Blessed Sacrament." Similarly, parishioner Amira Fernandes shared that St. Carlo’s deep love for the Eucharist – attending daily Mass and adoration – greatly inspired her.

A Legacy of Love

What began as a dream for a prayer space has blossomed into a sanctuary of grace—a Blessed Sacrament Chapel and a garden where St. Carlo Acutis continues to inspire generations to walk the Eucharistic path of love.

By Bro. Malvino Alfonso OCD