THE IMPACT OF OUR STAINED GLASS WINDOW DEDICATED TO BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS
As you are aware, St Aldhelm’s is proud to be the first parish in the country to feature a stained glass window dedicated to Blessed Carlo Acutis. Known as “The Millennial Saint,” Carlo was just 15 when he died of Leukaemia, but this young computer programmer has left a powerful legacy that continues to inspire young people around the world.
In these few lines, we explore how this window has inspired so many people, both young and old, and garnered special attention in the media over the past two years.
Famiglia Cristiana, 8 January 2023
The Window was featured in Famiglia Cristiana (Issue no. 2, 8 January 2023), in an article by Silvia Guzzetti. Famiglia Cristiana (meaning The Christian Family in English) is an Italian weekly magazine published in Alba, Italy, and has been in circulation since 1931.
The three-page article highlighted that the window was installed in 2022, and it has since attracted numerous visitors. People are impressed by the window and often inquire about the story of Blessed Carlo.
The Daily Telegraph, 25 May, Saturday 2024
St Aldhelm’s found itself at the centre of national attention in May 2024, thanks to an inspiring piece run by The Daily Telegraph, one of the widely read national newspaper in the UK. The article, titled “The video game-loving teen who was made a saint – and immortalised in a Wiltshire church window.”
On the day, Malmesbury shopkeepers found themselves in a bit of a tizzy. Suddenly, copies of the newspaper were flying off the shelves faster than usual. Bewildered, they wondered what on earth could be causing this.
The piece highlighted the church's dedication of a window to Carlo Acutis, the teenage tech enthusiast turned saint. The parishioners and the town is immensely proud of this moment, which has not only put their church on the map but also drawn visitors from across the country.
The article noted that the window depicts Carlo in a contemporary light, complete with a modern watch and mobile phone, symbolizing his unique blend of modernity and piety. This installation was a thoughtful choice to resonate with younger generations.
The window gained significant attention after Pope Francis informally announced that the second miracle attributed to Carlo was going to be approved, clearing the path for his sainthood. This announcement amplified the interest in Carlo’s story, drawing even more visitors to the church.
Since the publication of the Telegraph article, St Aldhelm’s has seen a surge in visitors. Many are drawn specifically by the story of Carlo, eager to see the window that so beautifully captures his spirit. This newfound attention has filled the church with an air of excitement and reverence, as parishioners and visitors alike gather to admire the window and reflect on Carlo’s legacy.
The window itself, crafted by stained glass artist Michael Vincent, has become a focal point for both locals and tourists. Its presence not only enhances the church’s aesthetic but also serves as a powerful reminder of Carlo’s enduring influence. The artist has even prepared an additional pane to update Carlo’s title from “Blessed” to “Saint” upon his canonisation, reflecting Father Thomas’s firm confidence in Carlo’s sainthood.
The link to the article can be found here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/05/24/saint-carlos-acutis-gods-influencer-millennial-catholic/
The immediate and aftermath impact
Particularly, on 25th May Sat, many visitors from Malmesbury came to St. Aldhelm's for the St. Aldhelm’s Flower Festival, coinciding with a feature about Blessed Carlo in The Telegraph. Among the visitors were the Vicar of the Abbey and his wife, who joined us for coffee in the yard. They were impressed by the young saint and commented on the refreshing impact of his story.
Several visitors mentioned they came after reading the Telegraph article, praising the wonderful story about Carlo.
That evening, an 87-year-old lady called to express how much the article had made her day. She has a great devotion to Blessed Carlo and shared that she has 14 grandchildren.
The day before, we quickly prepared about 100 booklets with a brief biography, quotes, and photos of Carlo, including the window at St. Aldhelm’s, so people could learn more about him. We now have printed 500 copies of the 8 page booklet for visitors and guests that come to see the window.
26 May, Sunday 2024
On the evening of that day, a couple travelled from Cheltenham to see the window. Although the church door was locked, Fr Thomas opened it for them. They admired the window of Carlo, as well as the other stained glass windows and the flower arrangements from the festival. They also took a few booklets to share with their family.
Parishioners' Prayers to Blessed Carlo Acutis for a Recovery
In April this year, a 6-year-old girl was struck down with the rare neurological disorder Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which left her entire body paralyzed. She was put into an induced coma and placed on a ventilator. Now, she has regained full movement in her upper body. Parishioners of St Aldhelm’s have been earnestly praying to Blessed Carlo Acutis, asking for his intercession. We truly believe that Blessed Carlo’s intercession has greatly contributed to this speedy and remarkable recovery, and we remain hopeful that she will make a full recovery.
To enhance the devotion
We truly believe that with the window and its appeal to young people and young families, St. Aldhelm's will become a hub for reflection and spiritual growth. It will be a place where young people can gather, reflect on their own lives, and consider how they can dedicate themselves to God, initiating and making progress on the path to holiness. We have placed a kneeler in front of the window, providing a space for prayer and a place to leave their prayers and petitions, as well as responses to answered prayers.
We have composed three sets of prayers for the intercession of Blessed Carlo. The first prayer is designed for children aged 1-13 years, the second for youth aged 14-20 years, and the third for adults. Each prayer is tailored to resonate deeply with its intended age group, ensuring that everyone, from the littlest believers to the wisest among us, can seek Blessed Carlo's guidance in a way that speaks to their hearts.
Over the past three years, our efforts have been focused on the project of constructing a parish hall. This endeavour is crucial because our parish has never had a dedicated space for catechesis, children's education, and social gatherings. As we strive towards this goal, having already raised nearly half of the required funds, we are filled with hope.
The recent influx of visitors, especially young people and children drawn to Blessed Carlo, the young saint, highlights the urgent need for such a facility. This hall will serve as more than just a physical structure; it will be a place where our youth can gather, deepen their understanding of Blessed Carlo's life and teachings, and grow spiritually. It will empower them to embody holiness and spread the light of faith wherever they go.
To learn more about our parish and this project, we invite you to explore our website: https://www.saintaldhelms.com/new-parish-hall-project
The above article has been published by the Catholic Herald, Catholic News Agency, and various other Catholic networks.
Catholic Herald
Catholic News Agency
