Our school community was deeply honoured to welcome Anna Johnstone on Monday, 29th September, for a profoundly moving and memorable visit.

Anna, a close family friend of the Acutis family and former governess to Saint Carlo Acutis' younger siblings (2015–2018), delivered three presentations to pupils in Years 7–9, offering a unique and personal insight into the life, faith, and legacy of the Church’s newest saint.

The theme of her presentation, “Saint Carlo, My Friend in Heaven,” was well received by our pupils. Anna spoke with great knowledge and warmth, bringing to life Saint Carlo’s spiritual journey and the virtues that defined him. Pupils asked thoughtful questions and were inspired by Anna’s personal stories and reflections.

One of the most significant moments of the visit was the opportunity for our pupils to encounter a First Class Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis, which Anna brought with her. This rare and sacred experience created a moment of quiet reflection and spiritual connection — one that will surely be remembered as a milestone in our school’s faith journey.

About Saint Carlo Acutis

Saint Carlo Acutis was an English-born Italian Catholic teenager who passed away from leukemia in 2006, aged just 15. Canonised by Pope Leo XIV on 7th September 2025, Carlo is affectionately known as the “Millennial Saint”, admired for his deep faith, compassion, and groundbreaking use of technology to share the Gospel.

Key Aspects of His Life and Legacy

• Faith and Devotion
  Carlo had a profound love for the Eucharist, attending daily Mass and frequently spending time in Adoration. He is best known for creating a website documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world.

• Digital Evangelist
  A gifted programmer, Carlo used his technical skills to evangelise online. He is often called “God’s Influencer” for his innovative use of digital platforms to spread the message of Christ.

• A Heart for Others
  Known for his generosity and compassion, Carlo regularly gave to the poor, defended classmates from bullying, and consistently placed the needs of others before his own.

• Relatable Role Model
  Carlo was very much a modern teenager — he loved football, video games, and computers — yet he lived a life of extraordinary holiness. His story reminds us that sainthood is possible in today’s world, even amidst the busyness and distractions of modern life.

A Modern Saint for a Modern Age

Carlo Acutis' canonisation in 2025 made him the first saint of the millennial generation — a powerful testament that sainthood is not reserved for history books, but is a living call for us all today. His example continues to inspire young people around the globe to embrace faith, compassion, and a life rooted in Christ.

About Anna Johnstone

Anna Johnstone is deeply committed to promoting the spirituality and mission of Saint Carlo Acutis. In 2017, she founded www.ukmiracles.com a resource to help schools and parishes host Saint Carlo’s International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles. Since 2024, Anna has also been entrusted with making a First Class Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis available for veneration across the UK.

We are truly grateful to Anna Johnstone for her visit, her inspiring message, and for the sacred privilege of welcoming the relic of Saint Carlo into our school. May his life continue to encourage our pupils to live with faith, courage, and love in the world today.

Saint Carlo Acutis, pray for us.

St Carlo Acutis Relic Visit to St Mary's - September 2025