WESTERLY — A very special International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles showcasing more than 100 documented eucharistic miracles compiled and cataloged by Blessed Carlo Acutis is coming to Rhode Island. The exhibit, to be held Thursday, Oct. 12-14, is part of a three-day mini Eucharistic Revival Retreat that will be hosted by Immaculate Conception Church, 111 High St.
The retreat will open with a day honoring Blessed Carlo Acutis, who died after a brief illness on Oct. 12, 2006. Carlo, who is the first millennial to be declared blessed, loved to play video games, was an average student, liked comic books, animals and played the saxophone. Carlo’s parents were considered lukewarm Catholics early on, but were surprised when at the age of 3 the young boy asked to be taken to church to pray for his grandfather who had just died and who he said “went to see Jesus.” He said that his grandfather had appeared to him in a dream and asked to be prayed for. Thus, Carlo’s love story with Jesus began. He realized the need to spread the faith to a younger generation. Extremely passionate about this project, he designed a website and cataloged each known eucharistic miracle to evangelize and proclaim Jesus to the world. It took Carlo four years to research and create the online museum of miracles which was finished on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4, 2006. Just eight days later, Carlo passed away after a 12-day acute battle with acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Eileen Wood, the owner of the exhibit that will come to Westerly, will speak about the remarkable and saintly life of Carlo Acutis and will make his first class relic available for veneration. The remaining part of the day will include Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction.
The second day of the retreat will commemorate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima. Father Nicholas Fleming, pastor of SS. John and James parish and St. Mary mission church, West Warwick, will speak about the “Illumination of Conscience and Confession.”
In addition to the exhibition, there will be Holy Hour, Benediction, confessions, praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and rosary and Consecration to Our Lady of Fatima.
The third day of the retreat will conclude the event with the exhibition open from 9 a.m.-noon during which time Eileen Wood will speak about St. Manuel Gonzalez Garcia. At noon, Holy Mass will be celebrated and the first class relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis and St. Manuel Gonzalez Garcia will be presented for veneration.
All age groups are encouraged to participate in the Eucharistic Revival Retreat. There is no admission fee, although donations are appreciated to offset the expense to fund the event. Books and religious items will also be available for a donation during exhibition hours. For more information, call Immaculate Conception Church at 401-596-2130.
