The relic of Saint Carlo Acutis, the recently canonized young Italian known as the «millennial saint,» has been kept since July at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Regla in Chipiona, under the custody of the Franciscan Order of the Immaculate Conception. Its presence has led to a notable increase in pilgrimages, attracting both local devotees and visitors from other regions.
Hospital Tour of the Relic
Following the historic procession on September 8, where the relic accompanied the Virgin of Regla, the sanctuary began a scheduled visit to hospitals in the region. It is a second-class relic, composed of particles and personal objects of the saint, aimed at bringing spiritual comfort to the sick and their families. Friar Juan José Rodríguez Mejías, rector of the sanctuary, along with Carlos Heret, delegate of the Acutis family, and members of the association dedicated to the saint, have accompanied these visits to healthcare centers in Sanlúcar and Chipiona.
Testimony of an Unexpected Healing
Among the many testimonies collected, that of a family from Badajoz, regular summer visitors to Chipiona, stands out. According to their account to the rector of the sanctuary, the grandmother of an 18-month-old girl, who suffered from severe dermatological problems, prayed fervently before the relic for her granddaughter’s health. Days later, the family reported, the little girl began to show significant improvement that culminated in a full recovery. This event has been interpreted by the family as an intercession by the young saint, strengthening their devotion.
Growing Devotion and Pastoral Significance
The presence of the relic has coincided with a notable increase in participation during the celebrations of the Virgin of Regla, patron saint of Chipiona. The novena and main festivities gathered more faithful than in previous years, and the September 8 procession became the first in Spain to incorporate a relic of Saint Carlo Acutis. The saint’s pericardium remained at the sanctuary for two months, venerated by thousands of people, before beginning its tour of hospital institutions. This initiative seeks to extend the message of faith and hope associated with the figure of the «millennial saint» to those facing situations of illness and vulnerability.
Original source: www.lavozdelsur.es (published on September 18, 2025)
Photo: Karl Raymund Catabas on Unsplash
