St. Jude Parish in New Lenox Hosts Miracle Exhibit by Millennial Headed Toward Sainthood
St. Jude Parish in New Lenox is set to showcase an exhibit on eucharistic miracles this weekend, with a special significance attached to it as the teenager who created it in the early 2000s is now on the path to sainthood. Carlo Acutis, hailing from Milan, Italy, was a talented self-taught website designer who documented eucharistic miracles and earned the moniker of the “patron saint of the internet.”
The exhibit, titled the Vatican Eucharistic Miracles Photographic Exhibit, features 158 well-documented miraculous occurrences from 22 countries displayed on 2-by-3 laminated posters. Visitors can view the exhibit from June 1 to June 3 at St. Jude’s Franciscan Hall, located at 241 W. Second Ave in New Lenox. The event is open to the public free of charge, with donations accepted through baskets and a QR code.
Acutis’ journey towards sainthood began with his beatification as a blessed by Pope Francis in 2020 after the first miracle was attributed to him. The latest recognition of a second miracle attributed to Acutis occurred in 2022 when a young woman named Valeria Valverde experienced a miraculous recovery from a traumatic brain injury after prayers at Acutis’ tomb in Assisi, Italy.
The miracles showcased in the exhibit primarily focus on the host provided during the Eucharist, with each miracle presenting unique characteristics that astound researchers and faithful alike. Father Ray Flores of St. Jude Parish emphasized the profound significance of the Eucharist in the Catholic faith, describing it as sustenance for the soul and a transformative experience that allows individuals to connect with the divine.
The exhibit not only commemorates Acutis’ life and spiritual contributions but also serves as a beacon of faith and understanding for visitors, encouraging a deeper connection to the presence of God in the Eucharist. By shedding light on these extraordinary miracles, the exhibit aims to inspire belief and foster a sense of awakening among attendees, inviting them to experience the personal love of the Lord and share it with others.