Cyber-Apostle Inspired by Alberione: St. Carlo Acutis’ First-Class Relic Enshrined at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish

On January 31, 2026, the Memorial of St. John Bosco, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish (OLSP) in Pasay City welcomed the First-Class Relic of St. Carlo Acutis, marking a significant moment in the life of the parish and the Pauline Family. OLSP is the only parish in the Philippines administered by priests and brothers of the Society of St Paul.

The arrival of the relic coincided with the 85th Anniversary of the parish. The request for the First-Class Relic was initiated by Fr. Edward Dantis, SSP, assisting priest, for the youth of OLSP, the parish community, and the Pauline Family. With the blessing of the parish priest, Fr. Cris Robert Cellan, SSP, and the endorsement of the Provincial Superior of SSP Philippines–Australia, Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SSP, the request was formally submitted to the Diocese of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino.

Following approval, the relic was obtained through the assistance of Fr. Dindo Purto, SSP and brought to the SSP General House in Italy. The First-Class Relic was hand-carried to the Philippines by SSP cleric Christian Enebrad.

Upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a delegation of parishioners welcomed the relic. A motorcade procession brought it to the parish, where it was warmly received. Members of the Parish Youth Ministry greeted it with a karakol, a traditional Filipino expression of joyful praise. The relic was formally received by Fr. Cris Robert Cellan, SSP, followed by a Welcome Mass concelebrated by the priests of OLSP.

In his homily, Fr. Cris reflected on the Sermon on the Mount, describing St. Carlo Acutis as someone who lived the Beatitudes in an accessible and concrete way. He emphasized that Carlo’s witness of holiness at a young age inspires not only the youth but all the faithful, affirming that holiness is a call to everyone. He highlighted how Carlo’s life offers a relatable image of sanctity—a young person of the digital age, often seen in jeans and a polo shirt—whose example speaks clearly to today’s generation.

Following the Mass, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was administered to those present, allowing the faithful to entrust their sufferings to the Lord through the intercession of St. Carlo Acutis and to experience the Church’s pastoral care.

The First-Class Relic enshrined at OLSP is ex capillis (from the hair). St. Carlo Acutis is widely known as the “Cyber-Apostle,” the first millennial saint, and patron saint of the internet. Central to his spirituality was the influence of Blessed James Alberione, founder of the Pauline Family, who inspired Carlo’s vision of evangelization. Alberione’s conviction that modern communication must serve the Gospel profoundly shaped Carlo’s apostolic imagination.

Inspired by Alberione, Carlo concretized this vision by creating a website documenting Eucharistic miracles worldwide, using digital media to lead people—especially the young—toward a deeper love for the Eucharist.

The presence of the First-Class Relic of St. Carlo Acutis at OLSP is a meaningful gift on its 85th year, highlighting the enduring relevance of the Pauline charism and its capacity to inspire new generations of saints in the digital age. The parish community also shared that OLSP is in the process of formally designating St. Carlo Acutis as its secondary patron, particularly for the youth and the parish’s digital apostolate.