Relic of First Millennial Saint Visits Columbus

St. Carlo Acutis' pericardium relic arrives in Ohio for public veneration

Feb. 18, 2026 at 8:15am

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A section of the pericardium, or protective membrane around the heart, of St. Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, has arrived in Columbus, Ohio for public veneration. The relic will be on display at various churches across the diocese from February 13 to February 18, including Ash Wednesday services at Ohio State University's Newman Center.

Why it matters

St. Carlo Acutis, who died of leukemia at age 15 in 2006, was canonized as a saint in 2025 and is known as the "God's influencer" for his devotion to the Catholic faith at a young age. Hosting his relic is an opportunity for the Columbus community to connect with this modern-day saint and his message of holiness, charity, and standing out from the crowd.

The details

The first-class relic, which contains a section of Acutis' pericardium, has already traveled to the Dioceses of Toledo and Cincinnati before arriving in central Ohio. During its time in Columbus, the relic will be displayed at several churches, including Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Mary of the Assumption Basilica, St. Joseph Cathedral, St. Paul the Apostle, St. Brendan, and St. Michael. The tour will conclude at the St. Thomas More Newman Center adjacent to Ohio State University's campus, where thousands of students are expected to venerate the relic on Ash Wednesday.

  • The relic arrived in Columbus on February 13, 2026.
  • The relic will be on display for public veneration through Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026.

The players

Earl K. Fernandes

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus.

Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo

The priest who looks after the relics of St. Carlo Acutis.

St. Carlo Acutis

The first millennial saint, who died of leukemia at age 15 in 2006 and was canonized in 2025. He is known as the "God's influencer" for his devotion to the Catholic faith at a young age.

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What they’re saying

“I was living in Rome when he died, and I remember how vast the crowds were. These were all the poor people, the marginalized people, the young people.”

— Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus

“This is the saint in jeans, sneakers and a hoodie. So, he's simply speaking to all of us exactly where we are, especially to young people – in this world of violence, war, division, and confusion – [Saint Carlo Acutis] points to goodness.”

— Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, Priest who looks after the relics of St. Carlo Acutis

“So many of us end up as photocopies, and Carlo says, 'Stand out from the crowd, and you can make a difference in this world.'”

— Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, Priest who looks after the relics of St. Carlo Acutis

What’s next

The relic tour will continue to Anaheim, California, and then travel abroad to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The takeaway

The arrival of St. Carlo Acutis' relic in Columbus provides an opportunity for the community to connect with this modern-day saint and his message of holiness, charity, and standing out from the crowd, especially for young people navigating a world of challenges.