St Carlo Acutis’ was canonised last year and relics — parts of his body — are making their way around the world.
His pericardium tissue — a tough, fluid-filled sac that encloses and protects the heart — is being taken to churches all over New Zealand.
The relic will be shown at two Dunedin churches on Sunday.
Catholic Diocese of Dunedin pastoral leader Amy Armstrong said the last time a saint’s relic came to Dunedin was St Theresa of Lisieux’s about 25 years ago.
‘‘For this part of the world, it's pretty rare to see a relic. The whole of the Catholic community in New Zealand is very excited about it.’’
St Carlo Acutis was born in England on May 3, 1991, and was raised in Milan.
As a teenager, he was known for his devotion to the Eucharist and his use of digital media to promote Catholic devotion.
He died on October 12, 2006, aged 15, and on September 7, 2025, he was canonised by Pope Leo XIV.
‘‘He was like a normal teenager, a footballer and gamer, but his life was what drew people to him, his generosity, his kindness, his love for the poor as well,’’ Ms Armstrong said.
There was a lot of excitement around the relic and quite a bit of intrigue for those who were not Catholic.
‘‘It's quite a specific part of our tradition and from all accounts, there's been a lot of graces happening around.
‘‘People feel inspired hopefully, to live better lives.’’
According to the church, the relic is considered ‘‘first-class’’ as it is an actual bodily remain of St Carlo Acutis, which is kept as a spiritual memento and is considered worthy of veneration.
The relic will arrive in Oamaru on Saturday morning for veneration before being taken to Little Sisters of the Poor in Brockville later in the day.
It will be on display during Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral on Sunday at 10.30am before a talk and veneration at 2pm.
At 7pm, the relic will head to the Holy Name Catholic Church in North Dunedin.
Dunedin will be the final Diocese to receive the relic.
