“Death but not sin.”

Dominic was born on April 2, 1842 in the village of Riva in northern Italy. His father was a blacksmith and his mother a seamstress. He had 9 brothers and sisters and they were a poor but hardworking family as well as devout and pious Catholics.

At the age of 2, his family returned to their native village of Castlenuovo d’Asti which was near the birthplace of Saint John Bosco.

He attended Church regularly and was often seen kneeling before the Tabernacle in prayer or outside the Church building, regardless if muddy or covered in snow. He became an altar server and attended confession regularly. He asked to receive First Communion at the age of 7 even though it was typical at the age of 12 for that time. The priest was so impressed with his intelligence concerning the faith that he made an exception. Dominic said his First Communion was the happiest day of his life.

He walked to school 3 miles each day and was quickly recognized as an exceptional student who studied hard and performed well.

Class troublemakers accused Dominic of their wrong doings and he took the blame while being scolded before class. The teacher later learned the truth and asked why he did not defend himself. He said he was imitating Jesus who remained silent when unjustly accused.

The teacher brought him and his father before Saint John Bosco, who tested him with a copy of The Catholic Readings dealing with Apologetics. Instead of producing a report the next day as expected, within 10 minutes Dominic recited the text and provided a full explanation of its significance, impressing the future saint. Dominic expressed an interest in priesthood which Bosco and his family agreed to.

At the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, he studied under Bosco and just after 6 months delivered a speech on the path to sainthood making 3 points; It is God’s Will that we all become saints, It is easy to become a saint, and there are great rewards in heaven for saints. He desired to become a saint himself but struggled in understanding how someone as young has him could fulfill the goal. In his zeal he attempted voluntary mortification and other physical penances but he was corrected by Bosco in that as a child, he should instead devote himself to studies and be cheerful which he obliged.

His health began to fail and he lost his appetite. He was sent home by orders of a doctor but Dominic believed he was dying. Before he departed, he made the Exercise of a Happy Death and predicted it would be his final devotion. Several weeks later while bedridden, at his request, he made a last confession and received the Anointing of the Sick. He later fell asleep only to awaken and say to his father, “Goodbye, Dad, goodbye – oh what wonderful things I see!” and then passed away. It was March 9, 1857 and he was 14 years old.

Saint Bosco was powerfully touched at the news and wrote a biography, “The Life of Dominic Savio.” It quickly became popular and was eventually read in schools across Italy.

He is the patron saint of choirboys, the falsely accused, and juvenile delinquents.

His feast day is May 6.

For God’s Glory.