Pilgrimage to Rosary Cathedral Rescheduled for February 9

Due to inclement weather on December 19, Central Catholic canceled its annual Advent Pilgrimage to Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral.  The event has been rescheduled for Monday, February 9 in conjunction with the St. Carlo Acutis Mass with the Diocese.

This will be a full school day with a start time of 8 a.m.  The pilgrimage will begin at approximately 10:15 a.m., and Mass is at 11 a.m.  Students will return to school after Mass, attend their afternoon classes, and be dismissed at the regular time.

The Diocese of Toledo will host the Relic of the Heart of Saint Carlo Acutis during a three-day visit at Rosary Cathedral.  The faithful are invited to venerate the relic, learn about the life and witness of Saint Carlo, and grow in faith through prayer and reflection.  At the student Mass on February 9, Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo, promoter of St. Carlo’s cause, will offer catechesis and reflections drawn from his personal involvement in Carlo’s canonization.

St. Carlo Acutis is the first millennial saint.  He was born in 1991 in London, but soon moved to Milan, Italy, where he spent most of his life.  From an early age, Carlo exhibited an extraordinary devotion to the Eucharist and a profound love for the Virgin Mary.  He attended Mass daily and had a deep understanding of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. 

In addition to his strong faith, Carlo had an avid interest in technology and computer programming.  He used his skills to create a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles from around the world, a testament to his desire to share his faith.  Carlo was also an ordinary teenager in many ways.  He enjoyed playing soccer, listening to music, and spending time with friends.  However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with leukemia.  

Throughout his illness, Carlo remained remarkably resilient, offering his suffering to God and drawing strength from the Eucharist.  He died on October 12, 2006, at the age of 15.  His life, though brief, left an indelible mark on those who knew him and countless others who have since learned about his story.  He was beatified in 2020 and canonized on September 7, 2025.