Major Relics Of St. Francis Of Assisi Coming To St. Rita of Cascia Shrine, St. Barnabas

CHICAGO—Archbishop Emeritus of Assisi Domenico Sorrentino will begin a week-long visit to Chicago, bringing sacred relics associated with three saints closely connected to Assisi: St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare of Assisi and St. Carlo Acutis. The visit will mark two significant milestones: the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi and the first anniversary of the St. Carlo Acutis’ canonization, the millennial saint.

Sorrentino will be bringing the sacred relics to Ashburn and Beverly, with stops planned Thursday, Sept. 3, for a 7 p.m. Novena Mass at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago.

The relics will be brought to St. Barnabas Parish,10134 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago, in Beverly Friday, Sept. 4. Veneration of the relics will be from 3 to 5 p.m.. At 5 p.m., Archbishop Sorrentino will offer a brief reflection.

Although Francis, Clare and Carlo lived centuries apart, their lives continue to resonate today through their examples of simplicity, humility, service, faith and joy. Sorrentino will share how the three are connected through the spiritual history of Assisi and how their lives ultimately point to Jesus Christ.

>>> Blessed Carlo Acutis Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit On Display At St. Rita of Cascia Parish

Relics Background:

Sorrentino’s visit will offer the public a local opportunity to encounter a first-class relic of St. Carlo Acutis, a second-class relic from the habit of St. Francis and a second-class relic from the tomb of St. Clare.

Relics are small fragments of a saint's body or objects that have been in contact with their body. Catholics venerate relics by praying in front of the relic or asking the saint to intercede on one’s behalf; kneeling or standing near the relic in prayer; touching the glass that encloses the relic; or touching a prayer card or other object to the reliquary.

About Archbishop Emeritus of Assisi Domenico Sorrentino

Sorrentino, who served the Church in the Diocese of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino for more than 20 years, brings a firsthand perspective on the city and its enduring spiritual legacy. He lived at the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, the sacred site where St. Francis renounced his worldly possessions and where St. Carlo Acutis is now entombed. Sorrentino also serves as curator of the tomb and relics of St. Carlo Acutis.

About the Year of St. Francis:

In January, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a Year of St. Francis, from Jan. 10, 2026, through Jan. 10, 2027, marking the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi, the Catholic friar who founded the Franciscan Order.

Relics Background:

Sorrentino’s visit will offer the public a local opportunity to encounter a first-class relic of St. Carlo Acutis, a second-class relic from the habit of St. Francis and a second-class relic from the tomb of St. Clare.

Relics are small fragments of a saint's body or objects that have been in contact with their body. Catholics venerate relics by praying in front of the relic or asking the saint to intercede on one’s behalf; kneeling or standing near the relic in prayer; touching the glass that encloses the relic; or touching a prayer card or other object to the reliquary.

About Archbishop Emeritus of Assisi Domenico Sorrentino

Sorrentino, who served the Church in the Diocese of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino for more than 20 years, brings a firsthand perspective on the city and its enduring spiritual legacy. He lived at the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, the sacred site where St. Francis renounced his worldly possessions and where St. Carlo Acutis is now entombed. Sorrentino also serves as curator of the tomb and relics of St. Carlo Acutis.

About the Year of St. Francis:

In January, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a Year of St. Francis, from Jan. 10, 2026, through Jan. 10, 2027, marking the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi, the Catholic friar who founded the Franciscan order.

Celebrations at parishes, schools and shrines throughout the Chicago area will include prayer, Mass celebrated by Sorrentino, reflection and public veneration of the relics. Sister Alessandra Rusca, chancellor of the Diocese of Assisi, will accompany Sorrentino during his visit at:

• Saturday, Sept. 5, Mary, Mother of God Parish at St. Ita Church worship site, 5500 N. Broadway Ave., Chicago, with a 5:30 p.m. Mass. Archbishop Sorrentino will offer a brief reflection and veneration of relics from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

• Sunday, Sept. 6, St. Carlo Acutis Parish at St. Hedwig Church worship site, 2226 N. Hoyne Ave., Chicago. An 11 a.m. Mass will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the canonization of St. Carlo Acutis.

• Wednesday, Sept. 9, Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State St., Chicago. Mass at 5:15 p.m.