St. Carlo Acutis was canonized by Pope Leo XIV on Sept. 7 just last year. Recognizing the power of technology, the “millennial saint” dedicated his life to serving God in the digital era, building a website that cataloged all eucharistic miracles around the world. Because his life was cut short by leukemia at age 15, he stands as a relatable model of faith for modern youth.

The process of applying and receiving a relic of this kind takes meticulous work and is an exclusive honor. A first-class relic contains a part of a saint's earthly, physical body. Principal Jeanette Rossiter and Father Joseph Romanoski, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church, wrote to the bishop of Assisi in March of 2026 seeking permission to receive the relic and bring it back to South Carolina. Once approved, the two began planning the pilgrimage to the Church of St. Maria Maggiore in Assisi, Italy, the site of St. Carlo's tomb.

For over a week, Father Romanoski and Rossiter traveled in Italy to visit the sites of many saints, including Sts. Francis, Claire, Benedict and Scholastica. They even attended a special audience with Pope Leo XIV.

“We live our faith so blinded, in a sense, because we rely on the faith to understand the word of the Lord. But when you go to Italy, you’re where they actually were,” Rossiter said. She said the trip brought "the realization that these saints and apostles really existed. They’re not just some made-up part of history. It brings them to life.”

Over the course of their journey, Rossiter and Father Romanoski made it a point to keep their school in the loop. A webpage was built for teachers, students and families to track and watch as the two traveled across Italy. The site included photos, videos and even an interactive map of the sacred sites they visited. Each post also featured a “vocab word of the day” where students were able to learn a new word that pertained to the trip.

“Everything has just been an outpouring of love from the parish, and I love that,” said Rossiter.

After St. Carlo’s relic arrived in Garden City, students took part in the Mass and celebration as altar servers, lectors, singers and more. The placement of the relic marked the official opening of the school’s St. Carlo Acutis Chapel.

His name was chosen as a reminder for all students that sainthood is not only achievable but also something toward which we are all called to strive.

“He was normal too,” Father Romanoski said. “He loved soccer. He loved his video games. He loved spending time with his friends and goofing off and playing. All of that was part of his experience,” said Romanowski.

Now students, teachers and the community can feel the closeness of a saint with a relic sitting just a few steps away.

Visit the school’s pilgrimage site at https://bit.ly/SMCSinItaly.