The Agape Chapel has been renamed the Saint Carlo Acutis Adoration Chapel.
A dedication event and blessing of the chapel took place on Sept. 7, the same day that Carlo Acutis was canonized by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
The chapel was originally a prayer space for friars when they lived in Francis Hall. After the Sacred Heart Friary was built and the friars relocated to that space, the chapel became a popular spot for Eucharistic adoration.
“Saint Carlo Acutis is known for his great adoration of the Eucharist,” said Fr. Stephen Waruszewski, SFU’s Director of Campus Ministry.
“We thought this would be the perfect patron saint for this chapel to be named after, since we have Eucharistic adoration there.”
Fr. Stephen noted Saint Carlo’s admiration for Saint Francis of Assisi, the University’s namesake.
Saint Carlo, who is known to many as the “millennial saint,” died of leukemia at age 15 in 2006.
Born in England and raised in Italy, he was beatified by the Catholic Church in 2020 after the Church recognized a 2013 miracle in Brazil that was attributed to his intercession.
Beatification is a declaration by the Pope that a person lived a holy life and is now dwelling in heaven. It is the first step before sainthood.
In addition to Saint Carlos, Pier Giorgio Frassati was also canonized by Pope Leo last week at St. Peter’s Square.
At the canonization, Pope Leo told those in attendance: “Saints Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis are an invitation to all of us, especially young people, not to squander our lives, but to direct them upwards and make them masterpieces. They encourage us with their words.
‘Not I, but God,’ as Carlo used to say.”
Fr. Stephen said that Saint Carlo demonstrates that “we can still be holy in the modern age.”
In recent semesters, more students have been participating in Eucharistic adoration on campus. Adoration hours at the chapel recently expanded from five hours per week to 15.
Assistant Professor of Theology Gregory Stacey said that the young saint’s life is relatable and inspirational for students.
“He was just a normal kid,” Stacey said. “He liked playing video games.”
The platforms that he played games on included GameCube, PlayStation, Xbox and the Nintendo Game Boy.
Saint Carlo taught himself several computer coding languages, including C and C++. With the help of several family members, he put together an online exhibition of Eucharistic miracles.
Saint Carlo’s body rests in Assisi, Italy, at the Church of St. Mary Major. Saint Francis students and faculty have visited this site during the University’s annual spring pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi.
Stacey said that the devout teen made a diligent effort to live his Catholic faith daily.
“He lived a life of commitment to what he felt was important.”
