Teens on a Sacred Journey: Jesus Youth Ernakulam Pilgrims Visit St. Carlo Acutis Church

ERNAKULAM — In an uplifting journey combining faith, fellowship, and devotion, around 40 teenagers from various parishes across Ernakulam visited the St. Carlo Acutis Church in Pallikkara. Dedicated to the tech-savvy teen patron, the shrine under the Archdiocese of Verapoly is renowned as the world’s first church named after Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Organized by the Jesus Youth Ernakulam Zonal Teens Ministry under the initiative ‘Alpha Rizz’, the pilgrimage commenced in the morning from Mount Carmel Church, Chathiyath. Traveling aboard a specially arranged KSRTC bus, the young pilgrims filled the trip with songs, interactive games, and communal prayer.

Upon reaching the church, the teens had the solemn opportunity to venerate the sacred relic of St. Carlo Acutis and spend time in personal prayer. The spiritual centerpiece of the day was the celebration of the Holy Mass, led by the Teens Ministry Chaplain, Fr. William Charles.

The visit also offered memorable moments of camaraderie, with the teenagers gathering at the dedicated selfie point outside the church to take photos commemorating their visit. Participants reflected deeply on the young saint’s life, carrying home the inspiration to mirror his holiness in their everyday digital and social spheres.

The pilgrimage, which concluded as the group departed at 4:00 PM, was coordinated under the leadership of Chaplain Fr. William Charles, Team Elder Sujamol Jose, and core team members Joel, Jijo, Anit, Theres, Aldrin, and Ben.