Little Joaquim, who is battling a liver tumor, moved social media users after receiving a visit from a relic of the future saint Carlo Acutis at the hospital.
The boy's interaction with the priest and his sincere prayer stirred the hearts of those present and thousands of internet users.
The initiative came from Father Josirlei A Silva, Chaplain of the Clinical Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, who mobilized the faithful so that it would be possible to take Father Fábio Vieira and the relics of Carlo Acutis to Ribeirão Preto.
Between April 8 and 10, Carlo's relics visited dozens of hospitalized patients and left a trail of faith and hope.
One of those who received a visit from the future millennial saint was Joaquim Galoni, diagnosed with Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma, a liver cancer considered rare in children.
Joaquim's mother, Lilian Zanandrea Galoni, posted an Instagram video of the meeting. She said the boy was “very happy” with the visit.
“Joaquim, do you know Carlo? He will be a saint in a few days, and today he came to visit you,” said Father Fabio, explaining that it was a fragment of the body of the Italian saint who was there to bless him.
As the priest spoke, Joaquim smiled and stared at the relic. Father Fábio then prayed for the health of Joaquim's body and soul and that of his family, and the boy was visibly moved.
“Let’s ask Carlo to pray for you, so that God’s will will always be above all else. You’re a boy of faith, aren’t you?” the priest asks, to which Joaquim nods positively.
“You are meeting a great friend now, who is Carlo. He and Our Lady, our dear Mother.”
“It was a surreal experience! Every time we leave the hospital, we are devastated, and today we leave there feeling lighter than when we arrived. God’s actions are tremendous!” commented Alan Galoni, the boy’s father.