Feast Flag Hoisted at the First Church Dedicated to Saint Carlo Acutis

Kochi, 11 October 2025 — The Archdiocese of Verapoly witnessed a historic celebration as the flag hoisting ceremony for the first feast of India's first church dedicated to Saint Carlo Acutis took place at Pallikkara, Kakkanad, on the Wonderla route. The solemn ceremony was conducted by His Grace Dr. Francis Kallarakal, former Metropolitan Archbishop of Verapoly.

Joining the Archbishop were Fr. Sojan Maliyekkal, Financial Administrator of the Archdiocese, Fr. Rajeev Jose Kainikkatt, Fr. Rocky Kollamparambil, and several other priests and parish representatives, who gathered to mark this significant occasion with deep reverence and joy.

The church, dedicated to the young Italian saint fondly known as the Patron of the Internet and the Cyber World, holds a special place in the hearts of the faithful, particularly among young people and teenagers. Saint Carlo Acutis, who used digital technology to spread devotion to the Holy Eucharist, continues to inspire the youth worldwide through his deep faith and love for God.

As part of the celebrations, Holy Masses for the feast celebrated on Saturday was at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday will be at 5:00 p.m. The services are expected to draw large crowds of devotees, especially young worshippers who look to Saint Carlo as a model of purity, devotion, and missionary zeal in the digital age.

The Pallikkara church, which was recently consecrated by Archbishop Dr. Joseph Kalathiparambil, is recognised as the first church in the world to be named after Saint Carlo Acutis. Its establishment marks a new chapter in the Church’s mission to engage with the modern generation through examples of youthful sanctity and Eucharistic devotion.

The Archdiocese of Verapoly sees the feast not only as a spiritual celebration but also as a call for the faithful—especially the young—to live their faith authentically in today’s technology-driven world, following the example of Saint Carlo, who once said, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.”

The Public Relations Department of the Archdiocese, led by Fr. Yesudas Pazhampilly, Director of PRD, and Adv. Sherry J Thomas, PRO, coordinated the communications and media outreach for the event.

For more details:

Fr. Yesudas Pazhampilly, Director,

PRD – 9846150512

Adv. Sherry J Thomas,

PRO – 9447200500

By Public Relations Department,

Archdiocese of Verapoly

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