Newsletter - 2 July 2023
Blessed Carlo Acutis - an ordinary life with an extraordinary faith
Dear parishioners,
I would like to share an experience I had together with some of the parishioners of the Corpus Christi Church, Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Covent Garden. We went to meet Antonia Salzano, mother of the Blessed Carlo Acutis, to listen to her talk regarding the story of her son who died in 2006 at 15 years old and beautified in Assisi ( Italy) in 2020.
The church was full of people inside and outside attracted by Carlo’s life and faith that with his witness has already touched and converted many hearts. Antonia, started speaking about Carlo, he was a young boy full of life and dreams, he loved Jesus, Mary Mother of God, praying the Rosary every day and had a compassionate heart full of charity for others less fortunate than him.
He was a very talented and clever boy from an early age. He received his First Holy Communion at 7 and never missed a day going to church to receive the Eucharist. At 11 he received his Confirmation and he started working with the catechist in his parish. He would go to adoration before or after mass every day, in fact he had a deep devotion to the Eucharist and he stated : “ the Eucharist is my highway for Heaven” , and “ the rosary is the shortest ladder for the Heaven” .
Carlo had great skills with computers, programming games, creating websites and at the age of 11 he started cataloguing Eucharistic miracles around the world. You can find the international exhibition designed and created from Carlo at this address: www.miracolieucaristici.org There is a “friends of Carlo” association that is helping many youths follow Carlo’s path to be closer to Jesus. www.carloacutis.com is the official website for more information.
Antonia said that before he died he was in peace saying to his parents: “I am happy to die because I have lived my life without wasting a minute on those things which do not please God”. Carlo is an inspiration for everyone not to waste our lives, but rather to make the most of them. “ Not I, but God”: this is the winning formula of Carlo and it could be for any believer.
At the end of this meeting all of us came home with such a rich experience in our heart, impressed by Carlo’s life, short, but full of holiness. A great example for everyone!
Caterina Schifano, Pastoral Assistant
Focus of the Week
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
From September 2023 we will run a formation course to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation at Christ the King Parish, for year group 10 and above. Every Tuesday starting from the 19 September at (6.00pm-7.30pm) until 28 November 2023. The Confirmation mass will be presided by the Right Rev John Sherrington on Sunday 3 December. Please contact Caterina Schifano if you are interested: cockfosterspa@rcdow.org.uk or leave your details in the parish office.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
From October 2023 we will start the programme for the First Holy Communion for year group 3 and above. Sessions will be on Sundays from 9.45am-10.45am.
Please contact Caterina Schifano: cockfosterspa@rcdow.org.uk ,Margaret Hanley: FHCatCTK@outlook.com or leave your details in the parish office. Application forms are available in the parish office.