Filipino devotees witness Saint Carlo Acutis' canonization in Vatican

Tropa ni Carlo Acutis, a dedicated group of Filipino devotees, was among those who witnessed the official canonization of St. Carlo Acutis, the Catholic Church's first millennial saint, in Vatican City.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, the group was founded by Bro. Gervin Kent Rodriguez.

"2013, na-encounter ko siya sa isang Facebook post. 2015, nag-email po ako kay Señora Antonia Acutis, ang mother ni Carlo Acutis, sabi ko po gusto ko pong magtayo ng isang grupo. Sinuportahan niya po 'yun," Bro. Rodriguez said.

The devotion to St. Carlo saw a significant resurgence in the Philippines around 2020. This was largely attributed to intensified promotion as the faithful eagerly awaited the recognition of just one more miracle attributed to his intercession, a crucial step towards canonization.

"Sampung taon naming hinintay itong pagkakataon na 'to at ngayon po ay ganap na siyang santo. Very grateful po kami na ma-witness 'yung canonization. Pag-uwi po namin, dala po namin ang aming mga karanasan, gayun din po ang mga panalangin na ibinulong po namin ngayon," Bro. Rodriguez said.

"Asahan po natin ang mas pinaigting na pagpapakilala kay San Carlo Acutis sa Pilipinas," he said.

Acutis, known for his use of technology to promote the faith, died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15.

A section of Acutis' pericardium, a fibrous sac that protects the heart, will be in the Philippines from November 28 to December 15. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News