Experience journey of faith and wonder in South Goa's Aquem

In what could be the first for Goa, and possibly India, the St Sebastian Church in Aquem is hosting the International Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World, along with the veneration of the relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Italian teen who inspired millions with his deep faith and use of technology to spread the Gospel.

Running from April 28 to May 4, the exhibition brings together 158 documented miracles from across the globe, capturing profound moments where the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist was revealed in extraordinary ways.

The exhibition was originally conceived and designed by Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager who used his for computers to document Eucharistic miracles around the world.

“He started at the age of 11,” explains Adlete Mascarenhas, Joint Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council of St Sebastian Church. “By the time he died at 15, he had photographed and recorded miracles across Europe. His work was then continued by the Real Presence Foundation, and today we have 158 official panels on display.”

REAL MIRACLES: So far, more than 2,500 visitors have already walked through the church and read the posters of the 158 miraculous events documented by Blessed Carlo Acutis.

For the organisers, this project was not just a logistical effort, but a labour of love and faith. “This took four months of planning,” says Desmond Gomes, Vice Moderator of the Parish Pastoral Council.

“The detailed descriptions and photographs, feature miracles from countries like Italy and Spain. Only one, says 13-year-old volunteer Moses Rodrigues, is from India—specifically from Kerala.

“It’s been great to explain these events to visitors,” he says. “To show how bread turned into actual flesh, or wine into blood. It’s deepened my own .”

Moses Rodrigues, volunteer It’s been great to explain these miraculous events to visitors. To show how bread turned into actual flesh, or wine into blood. It’s deepened my own faith

The exhibition was inaugurated by Bishop Emeritus Alex Dias of Port Blair, and will culminate in a solemn Eucharistic celebration on May 4, presided over by Fr Steve Rodrigues, Provincial Minister of the Capuchin Province of Goa.

More than 2,500 visitors have already walked through the , many arriving in groups from parishes across Goa and even from other places.

Desmond Gomes credits the success of the exhibition to divine inspiration and teamwork. “Adlete came up with the idea, and we all just knew it had to be done. And every day, as we planned, more ideas came to us. We’ve had visitors from Karwar, Anjuna, and . People are deeply moved.”

Desmond Gomes, Vice Moderator of the Parish Pastoral Council of St Sebastian Church Adlete came up with the idea, and we all just knew it had to be done. And every day, as we planned, more ideas came to us. We’ve had visitors from Karwar, Anjuna, and Canacona. People are deeply moved

The timing of the exhibition was also meant to coincide with the now-postponed canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, originally scheduled for April 27. The delay came following the death of Pope Francis, and a new date will be set once the papal conclave concludes in May.

Still, the spirit of the event remains undiminished. “The source and summit of our faith is the Holy Eucharist,” says Mascarenhas. “If anyone has doubts about the Real Presence, this exhibition will dispel them.”

Adlete Mascarenhas, Joint Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council of St Sabastian ChurchThe source and summit of our Catholic faith is the Holy Eucharist. If anyone has doubts about the Real Presence, this exhibition will dispel them.

More than just a display of miracles, the event is a call to the youth. “Blessed Carlo is a role model,” Mascarenhas continues. “He once said, ‘I’m not afraid of dying because I haven’t wasted a single minute on things that don’t matter.’ He used technology not for distraction, but for mission. That’s what we want young people to see—faith can be lived boldly in today’s world.”

With free access to the exhibition and the offer to help other parishes host it, St Sebastian Church is setting a precedent for faith-based evangelisation through creativity and commitment.

As Desmond Gomes concludes, “We’re just instruments. God works. All we need is vision—and He makes the rest happen.”