Saint Carlo Acutis
Shrine for Carol Acutis, West Kerry
Saint Carlo Acutis
1991 - 2026
The work created here is a celebration of the Millennial Saint Carlo Acutis. It is in the Church of St Vincent's Ballyferriter which is the most western point of church worship in Europe. The 400k standing stone is carved to hold the 2 relics which have been bequeathed to this parish.
Listen to the podcast here describing how this work came to be, broadcast on radio Kerry with David Sheehan, Sunday the 18th January 2026 with an interview
The blessing of the shrine in St Vincent's Church, Ballyferriter, West Kerry, Ireland.
Monsignor Anthony from Assisi blesses the shrine stone before the relics are placed within.
The stained glass rear door.
Text either side of this panel gives a historical context to the work with mention of the commissioning parish, Fr Eohgan and the dates for the canonization of young Carlo.
The colour choices are based around the central green piece which has the triple christian knot design which in this instance represents God the father, His Son and the Holy ghost. This green is then surrounded by the blue and red glass which references Mother Mary. The Alpha and Omega placed top and bottom with surrounding patterns based on an early church window frame.
The Shrine for Carlo Acutis, St Vincent’s, Ballyferriter, the western most point in Europe for church worship. This contemporary shrine was commissioned by Fr. Eoghan and the Parish Council.
The parish has been bequeathed 2, 1st class relics of the Millennial Saint Carlo Acutis. The story behind these relics arriving here dates back to 2024 when a ‘chance’ encounter with the Monsignor in Assisi (who looks after the tomb and shine of Carlo in Assisi) was to meet with a group from Ballyferriter who were on pilgrimage there that summertime. He was asked if he may come to Ireland and bring the story of Carlo to us here. That November he and his team arrived on these western shores and brought with them the gift of Carlo’s relics for our community.
Ben had been given 2 instructions from the commissioners, that the shine must have a reference to theGallarus Oratory and it must become a permanent feature in the church. Ben says: "We did not have the budget to create a life-sized figurative carving which was my initial idea, so I set about the task of finding a suitable stone for the works to begin, which would have the rough dimensions of Carlo as if he were standing before us. I managed to find a 400kg 1800 cm tall x 600cm slab of finest Kilkenny Blue Limestone from McKeon stone in Stradbally. Having collected this, I then set up a temporary studio at Fr Jim Sheehy’s place over at Ballintaggart farm. So, I was able to do much of the fine carved detail works under the peaceful and prayerful presence of one of this regions most respected priests. My concept was to carve out the aperture which would hold the relics and this be placed at the Heart of the stone. Almost so that if Carlo were standing there in front of this tall stone slab, the space where his relics are to be housed would be right next to his heart. This aperture would also be a scaled down version of the front of the Gallarus Oratory. Then I wanted to bring the powerful aspect of illumination to the work with radiating lines coming from the central point. With simple wording at the lower section capturing the nature of the young Saint. For me it says everything we need to know."
Saint Carlo Acutis, 1991-2026 Not Me But God.
All stone has an acoustic property to it and here, when the stone is struck with a mallet, this stone rings to the note of F. There are some wonderful links to the nature of the young Carlo within this frequency when we relate it to the spectrum of sounds and colour with a spiritual context. Some of these being:
HEART. LOVE. COMPASSION. BALANCE. HARMONY. As well as to the colour green which is also associated with the following aspects:
HARMONY. HEALING. HEART. COMPASSION. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND RENEWAL.
The rear stained glass panel has the colour green in the centre. The traditional hand painted and kiln fired the details can been seen throughout: The centre piece is the green trinity knot. God the Father, His Son, and the Holy Ghost. Then the colours of blue and red for Mother Mary surrounds this green central focus point. The Alpha and Omega Symbols at the top and bottom are also present. All of these aspects play a deeper role in what we have before us and all seem to sit so well with Carlo and his nature.
This glass section is created to fill the inner chamber with wonderful coloured light, giving a continual blessing of light upon the relics and all those who come and stand before it. "I feel that I have been truly fortunate to be involved in this project with so many amazing people. For, to be able to put this contemporary work in the world for all future generations to come, to have the support of this and the wider community, and to be able to work with all my passion and love for God, has been a most wonderful blessing.” Ben Dearnley.
This Shrine was placed in the church by master Mason Brendon O’Shea, January 13th 2026.
My grateful thanks to all who have played a part in this amazing project: Fr Eoghan, Fr Jim, Monsignor Anthony, Marcus, Brendan & John and Lynn who is always there to support and guide me.