From 27–31 August 2026, the Diocese of Bathurst had the extraordinary privilege of welcoming the Major Pilgrim Relic of St Carlo Acutis — a relic of his pericardium, the membrane surrounding the heart — together with a relic of his hair and an exhibition of his work documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world.

Over five days, the pilgrimage travelled through Dubbo, Oberon and Bathurst, drawing people from across the Diocese and beyond, including visitors from Sydney and other parts of NSW who came to venerate the relics and learn more about the life and witness of one of the Church’s newest saints.

For many, there was something remarkable about seeing so many people drawn together by the witness of a young man who died at just 15 years of age.

As one teacher from St John’s College, Dubbo, reflected:

“Who would have thought a 15-year-old boy could have such a profound impact on so many people in an Australian country town thousands of kilometres away?”

Throughout the pilgrimage, people of all ages were invited not simply to learn about St Carlo, but to follow his example. In particular, the visit highlighted Carlo’s five steps to holiness: the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, praying the Rosary and small acts of charity.

These simple practices were woven throughout the five days. People gathered for Mass, spent time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration, received the Sacrament of Reconciliation, prayed the Rosary and served one another in countless small ways. Schools also participated in the pilgrimage, giving young people an opportunity to encounter Carlo’s story, venerate his relics and explore the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition.

The pilgrimage also provided a special opportunity to bring St Carlo to those who were unable to come to the public celebrations. During the relic’s visit to Oberon, Fr Owen took the Major Pilgrim Relic to the local nursing home, where residents were able to spend time in prayer with the relic and share personally in the pilgrimage. It was a beautiful opportunity for some of the community’s oldest members to encounter the witness of this young saint.

Kate Hobbs, President of the Friends of St Carlo Acutis Australia, emphasised throughout the visit the simplicity of Carlo’s life. He was an ordinary young person who loved his family and friends, enjoyed technology and sought to place God at the centre of his everyday life. His witness shows how an ordinary life, lived faithfully, can have an extraordinary impact on others.

During the ARISE: Young Adults’ Faith & Fellowship Night, Fr Karl Sinclair, Parish Priest of Coonabarabran, reflected particularly on the universal call to holiness. Sharing his own vocation story, Fr Karl spoke about what it means to live authentically as a Catholic and offered practical encouragement to young people as they discern their own vocation and seek to recognise and respond to God’s call.

We give thanks for the Friends of St Carlo Acutis Australia, our parishes, schools, clergy, volunteers and all those who made those five days possible, and for the many pilgrims who travelled to share in them.

May the graces received during this pilgrimage continue to bear fruit throughout our Diocese, particularly among our young people, and may St Carlo continue to intercede for us as we seek to follow Christ each day.

St Carlo Acutis, pray for us.