Relics of St. Carlo Acutis Tour Central Ohio, Bringing Hope and Faith to Inmates and Faithful

Columbus, OH – Relics of St. Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, are currently on a six-day tour throughout the Diocese of Columbus, offering a unique opportunity for the faithful to connect with the young saint’s life and message. The tour, which began on February 13, 2026, includes a visit to correctional facilities and several parishes across the region.

A Journey of Faith and Healing

The relics, which include a fragment of St. Carlo’s pericardium (the tissue surrounding his heart), a lock of hair, a piece of the bedsheet he used while suffering from leukemia and a piece of his favorite t-shirt, arrived in the Diocese of Columbus with Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo of Assisi, Italy. The tour was organized by Dr. Stephen and Mary Ann Jepsen, parishioners at Columbus-Powell St. Peter St. Joan of Arc.

Bringing Hope to Southeastern Correctional Institution

On Saturday, February 14, the relics were brought to the Southeastern Correctional Institution (SCI), located six miles south of Lancaster, Ohio. A Mass was celebrated in the institution’s chapel for approximately 50 inmates, led by Msgr. Figueiredo, Father Matt Morris, the SCI chaplain, and Deacon Jeff Hurdley, who ministers at Lancaster Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption. Inmates were given the opportunity to venerate the relics.

A Story of Intercession and Remission

The visit to SCI was particularly poignant, as one inmate recently underwent baptism and confirmation after being moved by a documentary about St. Carlo’s life. Inspired by the then-Blessed Carlo Acutis, the inmate prayed for his intercession for his step-granddaughter, who was battling kidney cancer. Remarkably, by the time St. Carlo was canonized on September 7, 2025, the young girl’s cancer was in remission. Catholic Times Columbus

Upcoming Opportunities for Veneration

The relics will continue their tour with stops at:

• St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westerville on Monday, February 16. National Today
• St. Thomas More Newman Center on the Ohio State University campus on Wednesday, February 18, coinciding with Ash Wednesday. National Today

The tour is scheduled to conclude on February 18, 2026. Catholic Diocese of Columbus

St. Carlo Acutis: A Millennial Saint

St. Carlo Acutis, canonized in 2025, is known for his deep faith and his employ of technology for evangelization. He created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles and lived a life dedicated to the Catholic faith. His example resonates particularly with younger generations, demonstrating a synthesis of faith and modern life. National Today