“A NEW GENERATION OF SAINTS” TARBORO CATHOLIC COMMUNITY CELEBRATING THE FIRST MILLENNIAL SAINT: ST. CARLO ACUTIS

The Catholic community of St. Catherine of Siena, Tarboro, in North Carolina, shared a vibrant year of hope while gathering for a novena dedicated to the then-Blessed Carlo Acutis. The novena was offered in anticipation of his canonization, which the Church around the world eagerly awaited. Each evening beginning August 30, a novena which included Eucharistic Adoration, documentary videos, and the veneration of a first-class relic of then-Blessed Carlo, which the youth had been blessed to receive while in Assisi (Sanctuary of Spogliazone) during the Jubilee of Youth Pilgrimage last July 2025. This focus on Adoration reflected Carlo’s own deep devotion to the Eucharist and drew many young people and families to prayer.

In addition to the spiritual events, the parish also hosted a lively food festival. The festival included an exhibition that told the story of Carlo’s life and highlighted various Eucharistic miracles, allowing attendees to deepen their understanding of his witness. Children also had meaningful activities, such as coloring pages, that helped the youngest participants engage with Carlo’s story in an age-appropriate way.

The novena culminated in a unique overnight vigil led by the youth of the parish. On the final night, they had one last adoration and joined together at 3:30 a.m. to watch the canonization Mass of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati live from the Vatican. This meaningful act deepened the faith and unity of the younger generation at St. Catherine, reminding them of the universality of the Catholic Church as people from around the world gathered to watch the canonization Mass simultaneously.

Later that day, on September 7, 2025, the community gathered for a combined holy mass outdoors to celebrate the two new saints of the Catholic Church. They had a special altar off to the side with the relic of Saint Carlo Acutis, and parishioners had the opportunity to look closely and touch the relic before it was processed to its final spot in the church. The mass served as a poignant reminder to parishioners that saints are not only from generations past but are also being formed now, in our youth.

At the homily, Fr. Eric Imbao reminded the community that through “Daily prayer, Mass, Eucharist, confession and charity to the poor, these are clear paths to holiness,” which was embodied by the lives of the saints. At the conclusion of the Mass, the community gathered for a fellowship and potluck.

Through these special nine days of prayer, fellowship, and education, St. Catherine of Siena Parish thrived in faith and community spirit. The novena and associated events stood as a testament to the parish’s commitment to venerating Saint Carlo Acutis, and his holy life, while nurturing devotion to the Eucharist and inspiring a new generation of Saints especially among the youth.