Overview
The Diocese of Cairns will host the visit of a first-class relic of St Carlo Acutis, alongside an exhibition of Eucharistic miracles, from 9–14 July 2026.
This is a unique opportunity to learn more about the life of this young saint, explore the mystery of the Eucharist, and spend time in quiet reflection. All are warmly invited to attend.
Who is St Carlo Acutis?
St Carlo Acutis (1991–2006) was a young Italian who had a deep love for the Eucharist and a passion for sharing his faith with others. Using his interest in technology, he created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world, helping people to discover more about the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
A First-Class Relic of St Carlo Acutis
During its visit to the Diocese of Cairns, a first-class relic of St Carlo Acutis will be present at the exhibition.
This relic is a small piece of St Carlo’s pericardium — the protective sack surrounding his heart. Many people find this especially moving, as the heart is often seen as the centre of love, faith, and the deepest part of a person’s life. In Carlo’s case, his life was marked by a profound love for the Eucharist, which he described as “my highway to heaven.”
Why are relics important?
In the Catholic tradition, a first-class relic is a physical part of the body of a saint. These are honoured not because they have any power in themselves, but because they are connected to someone who lived a life of holiness and closeness to God. They remind us that holiness is lived out in real, human lives.
Catholics venerate relics as a way of giving thanks for the witness of the saints and asking for their prayers. This is different from worship, which is given to God alone. Veneration is a way of showing respect and honour, recognising that the saints are part of the communion of the Church and continue to accompany us in faith.
Discover the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition
As a young teenager, St Carlo Acutis developed a deep love for the Eucharist. Wanting others to share in this love, he created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world — stories that span centuries and speak to the enduring presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
This exhibition brings that collection to life.
Through a series of beautifully presented panels, visitors are invited to explore these miracles — moments where the reality of the Eucharist has been revealed in profound and sometimes unexpected ways. Each story offers a glimpse into the faith and devotion of ordinary people, pointing to an extraordinary mystery at the heart of Catholic belief.
Whether you come with a strong faith, a simple curiosity, or just a desire to learn more, the exhibition offers a quiet and reflective space to encounter these stories and consider their meaning.
Visit the Exhibition
Dates: 9–14 July 2026
Locations:
- Cairns – St Monica’s Cathedral & Catherine McAuley Centre
- Innisfail – Good Counsel Church and Parish Centre
- Atherton – St Joseph’s Church and Parish Centre
(A full program of times and events is available below.)
All Are Welcome
We warmly invite you to come, explore the exhibition, and, if you wish, spend a moment in prayer before the relic.
Itinerary
Friday 10 July – Cairns
3pm – 7pm: Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition on display in Catherine McAuley Centre, St Monica’s College. Entry through Lake St.
5pm: First Class Relic of St Carlo will be received at St Monica’s Cathedral by Bishop Joe Caddy before Holy Hour
6.15pm – 7pm: Opportunity to venerate St Carlo’s relic
Saturday 11 July – Cairns
10am – 7pm: Exhibition open Catherine McAuley Centre, St Monica’s College
11am – 1pm: Reconciliation in St Monica’s Cathedral
12pm: Angelus
1pm: Rosary with reflections from St Carlo
4pm: Holy hour with Benediction
5pm: Movie Screening Roadmap to Reality St Monica’s Parish Meeting Room
7pm: Holy Mass – with a youth flavour, St Monica’s Cathedral
Sunday 12 July – Cairns
11am – 5pm: Exhibition open Catherine McAuley Centre, St Monica’s College
10am: Holy Mass St Monica’s
11.30am: Presentation by Kate Hobbs, Life of St Carlo, St Monica’s Cathedral
12 pm – 1pm: Reconciliation
12pm-1.30pm: Sausage sizzle
12pm: Angelus
1.30pm: Movie Roadmap to Reality -Parish Meeting Room
3pm – 4pm: Holy hour with Benediction – Cathedral
4.15pm: Presentation by Kate Hobbs, Life of St Carlo, Cathedral
5pm: Holy Mass
Monday 13th July – Innisfail
Exhibition open 10am – 7pm, Good Counsel Church and Parish Centre
Times for reconciliation, Mass etc tba
Tuesday 14 July – Atherton
Exhibition open 11am-6pm, St Joseph’s Church and Parish Centre
Times for reconciliation, Mass etc tba
Wednesday 15 July – Cairns – Schools Day
Exhibition open 9am-12pm St Monica’s Cathedral
9am: Presentation by Kate Hobbs Life of St Carlo
9.30am: Mass with students of the Diocese
11am: Relic departs