In June, a relic of St Carlo Acutis visited the Diocese of Palmerston North, offering students, staff and school communities a unique opportunity for prayer, reflection and encounter. The relic travelled to several schools, including Hato Pāora College, St Peter’s College, Francis Douglas Memorial College and Sacred Heart Girls’ College New Plymouth, while many other schools journeyed to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit to take part in this special moment of faith.
The reflections below capture how young people across the diocese were moved by Carlo’s witness, his love for the Eucharist, and his example of holiness in ordinary, modern life.
(Photos: supplied)
St Peter’s College, Palmerston North
I was really grateful to have the opportunity to see the relic up close during our RE class. It was an eye opening experience, as it was the first time I had seen a relic. Learning about Carlo’s deep faith and devotion to Jesus made me reflect on how I can truly become closer to Jesus just as he did. It was really interesting to hear how Carlo carried his strong faith during the modern age and used technology to evangelise. This allowed me to reflect on my actions and whether I’m being the best reflection of God’s love, just as Carlo was.
Year 12 student at St Peter’s College
The visit of St Carlo Acutis relic to St Peters College was a meaningful experience. Seeing the relic helped me feel more connected to my faith and it helped me to understand that even in the modern centuries people can still be saints. Watching the school in silence as the relics passed was a special moment as I could see the fulfillment on the students faces. This was an amazing once in a lifetime experience that I am so happy I got to see.
Year 11 student at St Peter’s College
Seeing the Relics of St Carlo in person was a wonderful thing, it was an amazing experience to see a relic in person for the first time and it was moving. When I first walked in I felt blessed and I could feel the presence of Carlo through relics. When it was brought closer to individually bless and visit me and the class, I felt honoured to be blessed by the presence of St Carlo. Finally when it was my turn to be face to face with the relic I prayed and asked saint Carlo to guide me and to help those who are sick and unwell. It was an awesome experience to see a Relic at school and I am grateful for being able to undergo the experience with my class.
Year 12 student at St Peter’s College
When Saint Carlo Acutis’ relic came to our school, it completely shifted my perspective. Hearing his story made me realize that holiness isn’t just for people from ancient history books. Carlo was a modern teenager who loved video games, programming, and just being a kid. Seeing his relic firsthand made me feel incredibly empowered. It showed me that I don’t have to change who I am to grow closer to God, and it has truly renewed my daily faith journey.
Year 12 student at St Peter’s College
Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth
I found a great sense of gratitude when Carlo came to the FDMC chapel. Seeing a relic for the first time and asking for Carlo’s intercession was an awesome experience, feeling the relic with my rosary as I asked him to pray for me, then continuing with adoration. I really enjoyed the display of the relics. I hope in my lifetime I can see more.
Alex Walker, Student at Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth
I personally found the monsignor extremely calming and made the experience more memorable and enjoyable. I thought it would be a very serious time where mistakes were not to be made, but he was very relaxed and understanding. Seeing and touching the relic itself was a deep experience that I will never forget. I felt a wave of peacefulness and holy thoughts overcome me. When I left the chapel, I felt extremely blessed and at peace, and for the rest of the day, I could not stop thinking about the experience. I really hope to see more relics in the future, whether at the college or in Italy. Thank you for organising this event for me.
Brett Holdcroft, Student at Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth
The experience of not just viewing but touching St. Carlo Acutis’ relics was one with a profound impact on me – I felt grateful and blessed. I know that not many people even get the opportunity to witness relics, and yet I was actually selected to hold one. When the piece of St. Acutis’ heart was in my hand, it was as if I was able to feel his holiness take root within me. It felt inexplicably awesome! Furthermore, I also felt humbled. The relic was once part of a boy-turned-saint who devoted his short but meaningful life to glorifying God. His holiness made me feel small by comparison, yet it evoked in me a sense of duty to strive to follow God’s will, as Saint Acutis did. I thought that if I could do even just a fraction of his accomplishments, then my life would be pleasing to God, too.
Kynan Uy, Student at Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth
The Carlo Acutis Relic Veneration at Francis Douglas Memorial College was an interactive and beautiful experience. All who attended had a chance to see and touch Carlo’s sacred heart tissue, and many said they felt warmth when they did so, including me. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I know I will look back at it with appreciation for years to come.
Oskar Ellmoos, Student at Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth
Seeing Carlo Acutis’s relic felt strange because I had never seen one before. I was curious and excited when I touched it, and I felt grateful. Also, I was surprised to see my friends who don’t usually attend church; they were respectful and excited, which was moving. What struck me most was Carlo’s age—he was around my age—and his strong devotion to Christ. This changed how I view holiness; I now see it as trusting and living well instead of being perfect. I realised I worry too much about status and small things. Spreading love and goodness is what truly matters.
Ben Bartlett, Student at Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth
Walking into the chapel, the first thing I noticed was the students; there were so many of them, and, regardless of their individual differences, they came into the chapel united under the same love for Christ.
When Monsignor Anthony spoke, everyone could see how much passion and heart he spoke with—it inspired us all to contemplate our love for Christ, just as Carlo had done. To be in the presence of a relic was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but the inspiration it gave us to pursue a life of piety like Carlo’s was truly life-changing.
Hugh Tien, Head Boy at Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth
Seeing the relic made me understand God’s timing: just one day after I saw it, I needed to choose a saint for my confirmation programme, and I chose Saint Carlo Acutis because of what he achieved at a young age.
Keshara Jayasinghe, Student at Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth
The visit of St Carlo Acutis’ relics to FDMC was a genuinely meaningful and inspiring experience. Learning more about his life highlighted how faith can be lived out in practical and relatable ways, even at a young age. His example of using his talents to serve others and share his beliefs was particularly impactful. The atmosphere throughout the school reflected a strong sense of respect and community, making the occasion even more significant. It encouraged me to reflect on my own values and on the importance of using my abilities to influence those around me positively. I had my rosary blessed by him, and it has made me feel more optimistic and faithful. Overall, it was a memorable experience that strengthened my appreciation for both my faith and the wider school community.
Oscar Fryer, Student at Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth
I thought the relic was a great opportunity to connect with a saint and actually see it in person. It was a great opportunity, and I’m glad I went.
Louis Maunder, Student at Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth
The veneration of the relics of St. Carlo Acutis was an enjoyable experience. I think it is amazing that we had the opportunity to see the relics of Saint Carlo Acutis in New Zealand after they had travelled all the way from Assisi, Italy. It was also eye-opening to have the privilege of meeting Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo and hearing what he had to say about his life and Carlo Acutis’s.
Quinn Webber, Student at Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth
I wasn’t expecting to be given the chance to see the Relic, but I’m so glad I headed over to the Chapel. Its significance deeply moved me, and so did how engaging Monsignor Anthony was. He spoke so well and really tailored his message to be relatable for our boys.
It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, though when I described it to my daughter, I said we must make a pilgrimage to Assisi to visit Carlo Acutis’s resting place.
I feel very blessed. I could go on and on about how it affected me!!
Keri-Ann Barnard, Staff at Francis Douglas Memorial College, New Plymouth
Sacred Heart Girls’ College, New Plymouth
I think it was a wonderful experience! Like Carlo Acutis used to say, “The more Eucharist we have, the more we will become like Jesus!” I liked the way Monsignor Anthony shared inspiring words about faith, love, and the Eucharist, emphasising holiness in everyday life.
Miller U, Year 10 Student at Sacred Heart Girls’ College, New Plymouth
It was a lovely to see, and we were so grateful to have it come to our school.
Renee Fleming, Year 11 – Student at Sacred Heart Girls’ College, New Plymouth
Thank you so much!
Libby & Tia, Year 11 Students at Sacred Heart Girls’ College, New Plymouth
It was inspirational, and Monsignor Anthony was so good at, too
Macy Stuck, Year 11 Student at Sacred Heart Girls’ College, New Plymouth
Being part of the Sacred Heart Girls Community on the day that Carlo Acutis’ relics came was a blessing to me. His dedication and loving relationship with Christ were inspiring, and with over 760 young women being part of it, humbling to me.
Louise, Support Staff at Sacred Heart Girls’ College, New Plymouth
I was amazed at the impact St Carlo Acutis’ Relics had on the girls at SHGC. The awe, reverence and respect that flowed was beautiful. It was such a gift and blessing for St Carlo Acutis to visit SHGC, for which we are all so grateful. It was also very special to meet Monsignor Anthony and Kate, who accompanied St Carlo Acutis ‘ relics around the world in such a sacred and humble manner. St Carlo Acutis, pray for us all.
Amelia Luke, Chaplain at Sacred Heart Girls’ College, New Plymouth
It was an amazing experience. I think it will be the highlight of my DRS career.
Wendy Mulligan, DRS at Sacred Heart Girls’ College, New Plymouth
