As the Philippines prepares to welcome the pilgrim relic of St. Carlo Acutis in November, his mother, Antonia Salzano, called on Filipinos to nurture a deep love for the Eucharist, following the example of her son.
In a message ahead of the relic’s visit from Nov. 28 to Dec. 15, Antonia said the Philippines is ‘a country so loved by Jesus’ because of the faith and devotion of its people.
“What I suggest to you is to always follow this devotion to the Eucharist like Carlo, to pray the rosary each day,” she said in a video posted on the Facebook page of Friends of Saint Carlo Acutis–Philippines.
She recalled how her son, known as the “cyber apostle of the Eucharist,” went to Mass and did Eucharistic adoration daily.
“He used to say the Eucharist is the highway to heaven. The Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus among us, and this is the most supernatural thing we have in the world,” Antonia said.
She urged Filipinos to continue fostering Eucharistic devotion and to share their faith with others.
“We pray for you,” she said. “Philippines is a country so loved by Jesus because you are so devoted, so good Catholics.”
The pilgrimage will be carried out through the Friends of Saint Carlo Acutis–Philippines, under the guidance of Bishop Dennis Villarojo of Malolos.
Formed in 2020, the organization aims to promote devotion to the Church’s first millennial saint, especially among Filipino youth, while also fostering a deep love for the Eucharist and for the Blessed Virgin Mary.
While the final itinerary of the relic’s pilgrimage has yet to be announced, it is expected to visit several parishes in Metro Manila and Cebu.
Acutis was canonized by Pope Leo XIV on Sept. 7, 2025.
Nicknamed “God’s Influencer,” Acutis was known for using his computer skills to spread Catholic teachings online.
He also created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world, using technology not for self-promotion but for evangelization.
Acutis’ feast day is October 12, the date of his death in 2006.