St. John Berchmans School Celebrates Carlo Acutis Fest Ahead of Canonization
 
In anticipation of the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, students, teachers, and parishioners at St. John Berchmans School gathered for Carlo Fest, a week-long celebration blending education, prayer, and joy as the community prepared for the Church to officially declare Carlo a saint.
 
The celebration carried special meaning for St. Carlo Acutis Parish, the first parish in the United States named after the young millennial who died in 2006 at the age of 15. “We are about to celebrate the canonization of Carlo Acutis, and because our parish is the first parish in the United States named after him, for us this is a huge celebration,” said Fr. Ed Howe, CR. “He dressed like us, he looked like us. Students realize someone who dresses like me and has some of the same interests is becoming a saint.”
 
Throughout the week, students reflected on Carlo’s Eucharistic devotion, daily joy, and relatable interests, such as soccer and video games. Lessons and school-wide activities encouraged students to see Carlo as both a historical figure and a role model for their own faith journeys. 
 
Students connected Carlo’s story to their own lives, citing lessons such as attending church more frequently, praying with devotion, deepening their Catholic faith, and reducing screen time. As the community prepared for the canonization Mass, Carlo Fest vividly demonstrated that sainthood is within reach for ordinary people—especially young people—who seek to follow Carlo Acutis’s example of faith and holiness.

The Celebration Continues

We will continue to honor St. Carlo Acutis all the way through his feast day on October 12th.
"Reciting the Rosary is “the most important appointment of the day."
​- Saint Carlo Acutis
Please check back for more events to come. While you wait check out these photos of the week and the day of St. Carlo's Canonization​

Carlo Acutis Fest 2.0
​Celebrating the Canonization of Carlo Acutis

Please join us for this once in a lifetime event! Our Patron is becoming the first millennial Saint. We have many opportunities to share in this occasion as a community. It will be prayerful, inspiring and joyous. ​
"Our goal must be the infinite and not the finite. The Infinity is our homeland. We are always expected in Heaven." - Soon to be, Saint Carlo Acutis
August 27
Johnny Vrba, of Geneva, IL, will speaking to the 4th through 8th grade students of St. John Berchmans (SJB) of Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish about his 1,000-toy figure mosaic masterpiece titled: The First Millennial Saint! 
August 29 - September 6
We encourage you to pray this “Nine Day Novena” for the intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis. The students of SJB of Carlo Acutis Parish will participate in the Carlo Acutis Novena, led through the school PA each morning. Material below.
September 2 – September 5
The students will have Religion classes focusing on the life and works of Carlo Acutis all week.
September 3
Our Wednesday Mass will be led by the students and have a Carlo Acutis theme.
September 4
The students of SJB of Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish will invite their families and parishioners to the Canonization mass through hand written letters.
September 5
Delegation of Parishioners leave for Rome to attend Canonization and will bring prayer requests to the tomb of Carlo Acutis. 
September 5
St. John Berchmans students are going to be dressed in blue and gold and the school will have a Carlo Acutis day, where the following will take place:
  • In honor of Carlo Acutis’ commitment to service,  The students of SJB of Carlo Acutis Parish will host a book collection on this day. NOTE:  The only day to drop off books will be on this Friday, September 5th!  All of our donations will go to an organization called “Books for Africa”.  
  • The School will have an all school assembly in the gym. The assembly will include an Intro into who Carlo Acutis is and why we are celebrating.
  • There will be a soccer shoot out in honor of Carlo Acutis’ love of soccer. 
  • The students will have a Faith Partner REVEAL! Faith Partners are a way for the older students to bring the teachings of Jesus to the younger students. They become a role model of Christ.
  • The Faith Partners will get together and have a meet and greet.
  • The ​4th - 8th grade students will gather in the gym for a screening of Roadmap to Reality (Carlo Acutis movie).
  • The 1st - 3rd graders will be provided with a Carlo Acutis Rosary Kit.
  • PK - K will be provided with a Carlo Acutis coloring book.
September 7 
10:00a St. Peter’s Square (Rome) / 3:00a (CST): Canonization Mass with Pope Leo attended by a delegation of parishioners.
10:00a Mariachi Sirenas Music before Mass at St. Hedwig
11:00a Celebration Mass at St. Hedwig Church
Ongoing in August
​Student Pen Pals with Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish in Wolverhampton England.

​Novena to Blessed Carlo Acutis
We encourage you to pray this “Nine Day Novena” for the intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis.  There is a short prayer plus the praying of one (1) Our Father’s, Hail Mary’s and Glory be’s giving thanks to God for the grace granted to Carlo in the 15 years of his earthly life.
Novena al Beato Carlos Acutis
Le animamos a rezar una “novena de nueve días” por la intercesión del Beato Carlo Acutis. Cada día, se rezará una breve oración más uno (1) Padrenuestros, Avemarías y Glorias, dando gracias a Dios por la gracia concedida a Carlo en los 15 años de su vida terrenal.

Art Exhibition at BCAP

Johnny Vrba, of Geneva, IL, will be unveiling his 1,000 toy figure mosaic masterpiece titled: The First Millennial Saint! He will be delivering a talk on BL. Carlo's life using his piece to tell the story. 
Press:
​dailyherald
July 23rd
6:00p Johnny Vrba Art Exhibition, St. Hedwig
"All people are born as originals but many die as photocopies" - Carlo Acutis
Read more about Johnny Vrba and his creative process HERE.

Honored Guest

We are honored to have the Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, Italy coming to Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish. The Archbishop of Assisi is just finishing up with a whirlwind tour in Seattle and has asked if he could stop by our parish on his way back home. With a blessing from Cardinal Cupich, he is going to say Mass and give a talk about Carlo Acutis. After mass there will be veneration of the pericardium (heart) relic. So please join us in welcoming the Archbishop on July 15th at 7pm at St. Hedwig Church, 2226 N. Hoyne. 
Press:
​cbsnews
​chicagotribune​
abc7
July 15th
7:00p Mass with Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino, St. Hedwig Church
8:30p Veneration of Carlo Acutis' pericardium (heart) relic.
"Our goal must be the infinite and not the finite. The Infinity is our homeland. We are always expected in Heaven." - Soon to be, Saint Carlo Acutis

Prayer to Saint Carlo Acutis

​Oh God, Our Father, thank You for giving us Carlo, a model of life for young people, and a message of love for all. You made him fall in love with Your Son Jesus, making the Eucharist his "highway to heaven." You gave him Mary, as a beloved Mother, and, with the Rosary, You made him sing the praises of her tenderness. Accept his prayer for us. Attend especially to the poor, whom he loved and assisted. Through his intercession, may I receive the grace I need (mention your intention). May his smile shine in Your Kingdom as it did for us, to emanate the glory of Your Holy Name. Amen.
Pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
​
Imprimatur + Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino
Bishop of Assisi - Nocera Umbra -Gualdo Tadino, Italy

Chicago Carlo Acutis Parish Fest 2025 - ​Celebrating the Life & Legacy of St. Carlo Acutis

Our Patron is becoming the first millennial Saint. We have many opportunities to share in this occasion as a community. It will be prayerful, inspiring and joyous. 
"Our goal must be the infinite and not the finite. The Infinity is our homeland. We are always expected in Heaven." - Soon to be, Saint Carlo Acutis
April 17 
Holy Thursday Carlo Acutis Spiritual Olympics at SJB with Chicago Fire Soccer.
8:30p-11p Holy Thursday Night Adoration with Carlo Acutis Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit at St. Hedwig and St. John Berchmans
April 18-26
Novena to Carlo Acutis at Mass & at Home
April 23
Delegation of Parishioners Leave for Rome to attend Canonization
April 26
6:00p Carlo Feast Dinner at St. John Berchmans Hall
April 27
10:00a St. Peter’s Square (Rome) / 3:00a (CST): Canonization Mass with Pope Francis attended by a delegation of parishioners
10:00a Mariachi Music before Mass at St. Hedwig
11:00a Celebration Mass at St. Hedwig Church with Cardinal Cupich
Ongoing in April
​Student Pen Pals with Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish in Wolverhampton England
RE students make lunches for the homeless

Carlo Acutis Food Drive

Starting April 1st let's follow in the footsteps of Carlo Acutis and feed those less fortunate. Please bring any of the below items to Mass and there will be donation baskets in the back of both churches
instant coffee
powdered creamer
toilet paper
paper towels
bath soap
Kleenex
toothpaste
toothbrush
​shampoo
salt
sugar
flour
cereal
rice
ketchup
canned beans
spaghetti sauce
cookies
April 1st - April 27th

Michael O'Neill

Michael O’Neill is an award-winning author, EWTN host and creator of the popular miracle-tracking website MiracleHunter.com. and he is coming to speak with us! Michael O'Neill has conducted an interview with Carlo Acutis' mother in which she told him that Carlo used to watch his show.
Date: April 15th
Location: Carlo Acutis Parish, St. Hedwig Church
2226 N. Hoyne
Chicago, IL 60647
Time: 7:00p
Admission is free, all are welcome!

Please RSVP to our Carlo Feast

Join us for some food and conversation while we get ready for the Canonization of Carlo Acutis on April 26th at 6pm.

The feast will be located in the Parish hall at the SJB Church
the entrance is located on Maplewood at: 

2545 N. Maplewood 
Chicago, IL 60647

Hope to see you there, all are welcome!

Please RSVP, here.

Roadmap to Reality

In a world losing itself to screens, teenage mystic Carlo Acutis saw beyond the social media-addicted society we live in and offered an answer if we’re willing to listen.
 
Regal Webster Place
1471 W. Webster Ave.
4 pm - Sunday April 27
7 pm - Monday April 28
7 pm - Tuesday April 29
 
Regal City North IMAX & RPX
2600 North Western Avenue
4 pm - Sunday April 27
7 pm - Monday April 28
7 pm - Tuesday April 29

For more locations, click HERE.