Patron saint of the internet? Millennial Catholic's relic to start tour in New York

Plus a closer look at Brian Laundrie's social media and a new Netflix show

Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,

On Friday, the relic belonging to the first millennial considered for sainthood by the Catholic Church will begin touring New York in Brooklyn and Queens. Carlo Acutis, a computer genius who died at age 15 from fulminant leukemia, was placed on the path to sainthood after he coded a website to catalogue miracles and sightings of the Virgin Mary.

The relic, seven strands of hair encased in gold, will travel to schools in the city in hopes of inspiring young people to the Catholic faith. They also hope a second miracle will happen so Acutis can be confirmed as a saint. Wes Parnell reports on the artifact — be sure you don’t miss the video!

After the disappearance and death of Gabby Petito, which the FBI has ruled a homicide, many have scoured the internet for clues about her killer and missing fiancé Brian Laundrie, a person of interest in Petito’s death and the subject of a federal arrest warrant for alleged debit card fraud. Our intern Sofia Kioko found that Laundrie’s social media accounts are populated with drawings of popular characters that show an interest in violence, death and demons. Read more and see the images here.

Netflix’s “Midnight Mass” is currently a top trending show and the perfect spooky show to kick off the fall. Created by former altar boy and popular horror director Mike Flanagan, the show takes place in a sleepy town where miracles abound — but those miracles come with a price. Catch up with our review after you’ve watched the series, and let us know what you think.

See you next week!

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Patron Saint Of The Internet? Millennial’s Relic Touring New York Is One Miracle Short

The relic belongs to the first millennial considered for sainthood and was requested by the Diocese of Brooklyn to help reach the younger generation — a group the Catholic Church says has moved to the “peripherals” of the ancient institution. The church placed Carlo Acutis, a computer genius, on the path to sainthood after he coded a website that cataloged miracles and sightings of the Virgin Mary. by Wes Parnell

Brian Laundrie’s Social Media Shows Interest In Death, Violence And Demons by Sofia Kioko

The social media accounts of Brian Laundrie, the subject of a federal arrest warrant after the remains of his fiance Gabby Petito were found in Wyoming Sept. 19, reveal an interest in dark themes related to violence, demons and death. For example, one image shows grim reapers surrounding sheep with a caption describing that they’re being led to slaughter.

Netflix Horror Series ‘Midnight Mass’ Warns Christians To Be Careful Who They Worship by Jillian Cheney

(REVIEW) “Midnight Mass,” a Netflix horror miniseries from creator Mike Flanagan, brings viewers to a small island town visited by a mysterious and charismatic priest and his accompanying “angel.” The show explores the enchanting power of miracles and asks Christians to be careful where they direct their worship.

A Photo Exhibit By New York Catholics Honors Heroes Of The COVID-19 Pandemic by Graham McNally

(ANALYSIS) The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture’s new series called “Portraits of Grace: Honoring Heroes of the COVID-19 Pandemic” offers a space for New Yorkers and Christians to reflect on the pandemic with an eye towards the hopeful.

In Kazakhstan, Christians And Muslims Punished For Practicing Religion by Felix Corley

Courts and police across Kazakhstan have fined at least 15 people and three organizations so far in 2021 for holding meetings for worship or other religious rituals without state permission. “It is not allowed to pray at any location unless it's approved,” an Aktobe police officer said.

UK Prayer Monument To Break Ground In 2022, Hopeful About Brits' Interest In Spirituality by Sofia Kioko

An art piece planned to preserve the Christian heritage of the United Kingdom and profile a million answered prayers is coming to life amid data showing increased interest in spirituality and prayer, especially among young people.

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