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Thursday, March 20, 2025

Worshippers flock to view body of teenager set to be "first millennial saint" ahead of his canonisation next month


Worshippers flock to view body of teenager set to be "first millennial saint" ahead of his canonisation next month

Pilgrims have flocked to Assisi in Italy to view the preserved body of British-born Carlo Acutis ahead of his canonisation as a saint next month. 

Acutis, who died aged 15 from leukaemia in 2006, is to become the Catholic Church's first millennial saint after being credited with miracles since his death. 
 

Worshippers flock to view body of teenager set to be "first millennial saint" ahead of his canonisation next month


The London-born teenager was beatified by Pope Francis in 2020, who then granted approval for Acutis' canonisation last year, scheduled for April 27, 2025. 

In keeping with his final wish, Acutis was buried in Assisi, laid to rest at the Sanctuary of the Spoliation in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in April 2019. 

His body has been encased in a wax layer molded to look like his body prior to burial, allowing faithful to see Acutis as he lived in his tomb, according to Aleteia. 
 

Worshippers flock to view body of teenager set to be "first millennial saint" ahead of his canonisation next month


The teenager has gathered a global following since his death. 

Acutis is now to be canonised as a saint during the Church's Jubilee of Teenagers, between April 25 and April 27, of this year. 
 

Worshippers flock to view body of teenager set to be "first millennial saint" ahead of his canonisation next month


The date was announced after a second miracle attributed to his intercession was confirmed in May 2024. 

The mother of a Costa Rican woman involved in a serious bike accident had prayed at his glass casket and left a note asking for her to be healed in 2022.  

The same day her daughter began to breathe independently and 10 days later she was discharged from intensive care because the haemorrhage in her brain had disappeared. 

The Vatican also said that Acutis interceded from heaven in 2013 to cure a Brazilian boy suffering from a rare pancreatic disease. 

Acutis was beatified in Assisi, the home of his idol Saint Francis, who dedicated his life to the care of the poor. 

His mother said that her son also dedicated himself to supporting struggling classmates, would defend disabled friends who were being bullied and would take meals out to homeless people across the city. 

The 15-year-old died in Monza, Italy in 2006 after moving to Milan as a child.  
 

Worshippers flock to view body of teenager set to be "first millennial saint" ahead of his canonisation next month


He has since been called "God's influencer" and "the patron saint of the internet" because of his devotion to promoting his religious beliefs online before he died. 

To become a saint, there is usually first a five-year wait for the process to begin. This allows for a period of reflection. 

The bishop of the diocese where the person has died then investigates whether their life was holy enough to be deemed a "servant of God".  

Before his death, Acutis set up a website named, "The Eucharistic Miracles of the World" and enjoyed researching different miracles for the site.   

His mother told The Times: "He was a computer genius, so this probably makes him very close to the people of nowadays. 

"He was living the same lives as them, he liked to play video games, use the internet, liked football.: 

The teenager also helped the homeless and stood up for bullied classmates at school. 

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints then looks at the case. If they approve it is passed onto the Pope, who declares the subject a person of "heroic virtue". 

In July 2018, Pope Francis named him venerable, which helped him achieve the third of five stages towards becoming a saint. 

For beatification, a miracle needs to happen to a person who has prayed to the person in question. 

The person may then be canonised if a second miracle can be attributed to them.

Six d€ad in Abuja trailer accident

 

Six d?ad in Abuja trailer accident


The FCT Police command has confirmed a devastating motor vehicle accident that occurred at about 6:58 PM before Nyanya Bridge on Wednesday, March 19, leaving six persons d3ad and fourteen cars destroyed.

The command in a statement signed by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, says a distress call was received by Karu Division reporting stating that a trailer, heavily loaded with cement and approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA, lost control and crashed into stationary vehicles trapped in traffic.

Adeh mentioned that the impact engulfed fourteen vehicles in a raging inferno. 

‘’Panic and chaos followed as bystanders and motorists scrambled for safety. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, battling thick smoke and intense heat to rescue those trapped. Six victims were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the hospital, but tragically, they were confirmed dead by medical personnel on duty. Their remains have been deposited at Karu General Hospital Morgue.'' she said

Adeh stated that police operatives, in collaboration with fire service personnel, other security agencies, and courageous individuals at the scene, contained the inferno, and normal traffic flow was restored.

‘’The FCT Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and assures the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of this disaster and prevent future occurrences. Members of the public are strongly urged to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits while driving, especially in high-traffic areas. Safe driving habits can prevent tragedies like this and save lives.

Residents are also encouraged to remain vigilant and report emergencies or suspicious activities through the FCT Command emergency numbers: 080320039130802894088307057337653. Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192.'' Adeh said

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