The merger and new parish name are effective January 1, 2026
NEWS RELEASE
December 6, 2025
Contact: Dennis Biviano, PR & Media Specialist, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320; dbiviano@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – On November 29, the Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown announced the merger of Saint Jude (Columbiana), Our Lady of Lourdes (East Palestine) and Saint Patrick (Leetonia) parishes in the Columbiana County Deanery. The newly formed community will bear the name Saint Carlo Acutis, honoring a young Italian saint whose life exemplifies modern holiness and devotion to the Eucharist. The new name takes effect January 1, 2026.
Saint Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991 and throughout his short life, he demonstrated a great love of God and Church teachings. Acutis showed profound devotion to the poor, championed the dignity of those with disabilities, and was often seen in deep prayer before the Tabernacle prior to and after Mass. The Milan native is also known for his interest in computers and helping to create an exhibit on Eucharistic Miracles. He passed away on October 12, 2006, at the age of 15 after battling leukemia and was canonized a Saint on September 7, 2025 by Pope Leo XIV.
In a letter read to parishioners, Bishop Bonnar said, “Saint Carlo Acutis reminds us that holiness is not something that belongs to the past. Instead, we see in our new patron saint that holiness is also something today in this modern time.”
