- 02 August, 2025
Argentina, August 2, 2025: A relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis has been stolen from St. Dominic Savio Parish in the Archdiocese of Paraná, Argentina. Fr. Walter Minigutti, the parish priest, informed local media that the theft occurred shortly after noon on 25 July and was captured by security cameras. Footage shows a couple entering the church and removing the bolted glass case that held the relic, which had been enthroned in 2021.
The parish priest is appealing for its return, stressing that while it holds no material value, it carries deep spiritual significance for the local community. “This is truly a very sad day for us, and we need our saint [Carlo Acutis] to return to the parish. We are sharing the security camera footage, where this couple can be seen,” Minigutti said in an interview with Argentine news outlet _El Once_ .
A formal police complaint has been lodged, and authorities are investigating the incident. The footage is being examined in an effort to identify the perpetrators.
The priest issued a heartfelt plea for the return of the reliquary: “I beg whoever took the relics to return them. They have no monetary value, but they do have great spiritual value for our community,” he said. The reliquary contains a first-class relic—namely, a strand of hair and a fingernail belonging to the soon-to-be saint.
In a 31 July interview with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language partner, the priest stated that “there is still no news” and offered prayers “to the Lord and the blessed that this cherished relic may return.”
Carlo Acutis holds a special place in the life of the parish; a secondary school is currently being built in his name.
The relic had been housed in a specially designed area for public veneration, displayed in a glass case that featured an image of the young blessed dressed in casual clothes, reflecting his identity as a “saint in jeans and sneakers.”
“The place was designed so that the faithful could contemplate him. He is a very contemporary saint, close to young people, and his life conveys a powerful message about faith in the present time,” Fr. Minigutti told _El Once_ .
Acutis, who died aged 15, was known for his devotion to the Eucharist. “He went to Mass every day, prayed the rosary, did Eucharistic adoration, and used the internet to evangelise. He’s an example for our youth,” said the priest.
“This is devastating for us because it’s something very dear to us, but I have great faith and confidence in the residents of Paraná and Santa Lucía neighbourhood, so please give us a hand to recover it,” he added.
The relic had been enthroned on 12 August, and a Mass in honour of Acutis is celebrated on the 12th of each month. His feast day falls on 12 October, the date of his death.
Acutis is set to be canonised on 7 September alongside Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
“A blessed is one of the many blessings that God gives to the Church, and having his relics is having part of his life’s story among us,” said Fr. Minigutti, who also highlighted that “the sentimental, religious, and spiritual value he holds for the community is incalculable.”
In conclusion, he urged the public to “reflect and show solidarity: If anyone knows these people or just finds these relics, please bring them back to the parish.”
Courtesy: Catholic News Agency
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