In May 1991, an infant was born to affluent Italian parents based for a few months in London.

Returning to Milan in September of that year, the little family began a normal existence. The young son, spoiled by his loving parents, had an unusual childhood. He became fascinated by the Eucharist and prayed daily. With a high IQ, he mastered computers and coding before he was a teenager. Of sunny disposition, he was popular with friends of his own age group as well as adult members of his family.

Despite the family’s luxurious lifestyle, the young Carlo Acutis slowly detached himself from the comforts which surrounded him. Barely a teenager, he volunteered to help poor people who came to the Capuchin Day Centre and Hostel and assist the Missionary Sisters of Charity, founded by another Teresa of Calcutta. He also put his computer talents to the service of the Catholic faith, designing exhibitions on the Eucharist and the Saints. But at the age of 15, he was struck by a virulent and fatal form of leukaemia; in less than two weeks Carlo was dead.

While he may have been seen as eccentric, a cult grew up around Carlo within a few months of his death. News reached the bishop and the Vatican. An investigation into his life confirmed that he had lived an exemplary Christian life.

In Carlo Acutis, A Short Biography, Fr. Michael Collins draws a pen picture of this extraordinary young man who will be canonised by Pope Francis in a few month’s time. He questions whether the move is justified, and if the first teenage saint of the third millennium truly has anything to say to contemporary Catholics.

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