St. Dominic Savio

  Posted on May 6, 2020  by admin  No comments

Born: 2 April 1842 San Giovanni, a frazione of Riva presso Chieri, Piedmont, Kingdom of Sardinia

Died: 9 March 1857 (aged 14) Mondonio, a frazione of Castelnuovo d’Asti, Piedmont, Kingdom of Sardinia (today Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Italy)

Venerated: in Roman Catholic Church & Episcopal Church

Beatified: 5 March 1950, Rome by Pope Pius XII

Canonized: 12 June 1954, Rome by Pope Pius XII

Major shrine: The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin (his tomb)

Feast: 6 May (formerly 9 March)

Patronage: choirboys, falsely accused people, juvenile delinquents

Dominic Savio (Italian: Domenico Savio; 2 April 1842 – 9 March 1857) was an Italian adolescent student of Saint John Bosco. He was studying to be a priest when he became ill and died at the age of 14, possibly from pleurisy. He was noted for his piety and devotion to the Catholic faith, and was eventually canonized.

Bosco regarded Savio very highly, and wrote a biography of his young student, The Life of Dominic Savio. This volume, along with other accounts of him, were critical factors in his cause for sainthood. Despite the fact that many people considered him to have died at too young an age – fourteen – to be considered for sainthood, he was considered eligible for such singular honour on the basis of his having displayed “heroic virtue” in his everyday life. He is the only person of his age group who was declared a saint not on the basis of his having been a martyr, but on the basis of having lived what was seen as a holy life. Savio was canonised a saint on 12 June 1954, by Pope Pius XII, making him the youngest non-martyr to be canonised in the Catholic Church until the canonisations of Francisco and Jacinta Marto, the pious visionaries of Fatima, in 2017.

Early life

On 2 April 1842 in the village of Riva, 2 miles (3 km) from the town of Chieri, in Piedmont, northern Italya son was born to Carlo and Brigitta Savio. He was given the name Domenico at baptism. The name Domenico means “of the Lord” and the surname Savio means “wise”. His parents had ten children in all. His father was a blacksmith and his mother, a seamstress. They were poor, hardworking and pious. 

When he was two years old, his parents returned to their native place at Murialdo on the outskirts of Castelnuovo d’Asti and from where they had gone to Riva in 1841. His parents took great care to give him a Christian upbringing. By the age of four, Dominic was able to pray by himself and was occasionally found in solitude, praying. John Bosco records that Savio’s parents recollect how he used to help his mother around the house, welcome his father home, say his prayers without being reminded, (even reminding others when they forgot) and say Grace at mealtimes unfailingly. 

At the village school

Fr. Giovanni Zucca from Murialdo, who was then the chaplain at Murialdo when Dominic was five years old, notes in a statement to John Bosco that he came to notice Dominic due to his regular church attendance with his mother, and his habit of kneeling down outside the church to pray (even in the mud or snow) if he happened to come to Church before it had been unlocked in the morning. The chaplain also notes that Savio made good progress at the village school not merely due to his cleverness, but also by working hard. He would not join the other boys in doing something that he believed to be morally wrong and would explain why he thought a particular deed was wrong. At the age of five, he learned to serve Mass, and would try to participate at Mass every day as well as go regularly to Confession. Having been permitted to make his First Communion at an early age, he had much reverence for the Eucharist. 

First Communion

At that time, it was customary for children to receive their First Communion at the age of twelve. (Pope Pius X would later lower this age to seven) After initial hesitation, and subsequent consultation with other priests, the parish priest agreed to permit Dominic to receive his First Communion at the age of seven, since he knew the catechism and understood something of the Eucharist. He spent much time praying and reading in preparation, asking his mother’s forgiveness for anything he might have done to displease her and then went to Church. In his biography of Dominic Savio, John Bosco devotes a chapter to tell of Dominic’s First Communion. He says that several years later, whenever Dominic talked of the day of his First Communion, he said with joy: “That was the happiest and most wonderful day of my life.”^[15]John Bosco records that on the day of his First Communion, Dominic made some promises which he wrote in a “little book”, and re-read them many times. John Bosco once looked through Dominic’s book, and he quotes from it the promises that he made: 

Resolutions made by me, Dominic Savio, in the year 1849, on the day of my First Communion, at the age of seven.

1. I will go to Confession often, and as frequently to Holy Communion as my confessor allows.

2. I wish to sanctify the Sundays and festivals in a special manner.

3. My friends shall be Jesus and Mary.

4. Death rather than sin. 

At the county school

For secondary education, Dominic had to go to another school and it was decided that he would go to the County School at Castelnuovo, three miles (5 km) from his home. (Castelnuovo d’ Asti, now Castelnuovo John Bosco, was the birthplace of another contemporary of John Bosco, Joseph Cafasso, also a saint. He was four years the senior of John Bosco, and was Bosco’s mentor and advisor.) Now ten years old, Dominic walked daily to and from school. In his biography of Dominic Savio, John Bosco records how a local farmer once asked Dominic, on a hot sunny day, if he was not tired from walking, and received the reply: “Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a master who pays well.” Don Bosco also notes that Dominic refused to go swimming with his friends since Dominic considered that in such a situation, it would be “also easy to offend God”, he believed that on a previous occasion his friends behaved in, what was to him, a vulgar manner. In his biography Bosco records that Fr. Allora, the head of this school, had this to say about Dominic: “…Hence it may very well be said that he was Savio (wise), not only in name, but in fact, viz., in his studies, in piety, in conversation and his dealing with others, and in all his actions.” 

Under John Bosco’s mentorship

Meeting with John Bosco

It was Fr. Giuseppe Cugliero, Dominic’s teacher at school, who gave a high account of him to John Bosco and recommended that Bosco meet him during the Feast of the Rosary, when he would take his boys to Murialdo. Accordingly, accompanied by his father, Dominic met John Bosco on the first Monday in the month of October 1854. John Bosco records this conversation in some detail. He notes that Dominic was eager to go to Turin with John Bosco, and that he wished to become a priest after completing his studies in that town. 

To test Dominic’s intelligence, Don Bosco gave him a copy of The Catholic Readings (pamphlets on the subject of Catholic Apologetics), asking him to recite a particular page by heart and explain its meaning the next day, and then spoke for a while with Dominic’s father. Ten minutes later, he found Dominic was beside him reciting the page and explaining its meaning satisfactorily. This meeting was the beginning of their relationship, the result of which was that John Bosco agreed to take Dominic to Turin with him. 

At the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales

John Bosco records that when Dominic arrived at the Oratory, he at once placed himself under his guidance. He also notes that Dominic worked diligently and followed the school rules. He would happily listen to talks and sermons (even if they tended to be lengthy at times), and would, without hesitation, ask for clarification on points that were not clear to him. John Bosco also notes how Dominic was obedient to his teachers and chose his companions carefully. This happened in the year 1854, while, in Rome, the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary was being defined. Preparations for the observation of this feast were thus going on at the Oratory. Don Bosco records that, at the advice of his confessor, Dominic renewed his First Communion promises at the altar of Mary at the Oratory. John Bosco says that, from this point the result of Dominic’s attempts towards holy life were so apparent, that he (John Bosco) took to recording the various incidents that occurred for future reference. 

John Bosco’s mother, who was called “Mamma Margaret” remarked to him of Dominic, “You have many good boys, but none can match the good heart and soul of Dominic Savio. I see him so often at prayer, staying in church after the others; every day he slips out of the playground to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. When he is in church he is like an angel living in Paradise.” 

Resolve to become a saint

Around six months after Dominic had come to the Oratory, he had the occasion to listen to a talk on sainthood. John Bosco records that the talk had three main points that impressed Dominic: 

That it is God’s will that each one should become a saint.

That it is easy to become a saint.

That there is a great reward waiting in heaven for those who try to become saints.

This inspired Dominic to take a conscious decision to become a saint. The immediate result of this was that, not being sure how to live a saintly life, and worried about it, he was quiet and worried for the next few days. Noticing this, John Bosco spoke to Dominic and advised him to resume his customary cheerfulness, persevere in his regular life of study and religious practices, and especially not neglect being with his companions in games and recreation. On learning that his first name meant “belonging to God”, his desire to be a saint intensified. Dominic’s spiritual growth progressed under the guidance of Don Bosco. Clifford Stevens says in his biography of Savio, “In other circumstances, Dominic might have become a little self-righteous snob, but Don Bosco showed him the heroism of the ordinary and the sanctity of common sense.” 

Attempts to do penances

In his desire to become a saint, Dominic attempted to perform physical penances, like making his bed uncomfortable with small stones and pieces of wood, sleeping with a thin covering in winter, wearing a hair shirt, and fasting on bread and water. When his superiors (i.e., John Bosco, or his Rector, or his confessor) came to know this, they forbade him from doing bodily mortification, as it would affect his health. John Bosco told Dominic that as a schoolboy, the best penance would be to perform all his duties with perfection and humility, and that obedience was the greatest sacrifice. Thus, Dominic formed an important aspect of his philosophy of life, which was, in his words, “I can’t do big things but I want everything to be for the glory of God.” Don Bosco notes that from that time on, Dominic did not complain about the food or the weather, unlike some other boys at the Oratory, bore all suffering cheerfully, and practised custody of his eyes and tongue. Eugenio Ceria, a Salesiancommentator on the autobiography of John Bosco, (Memoirs of the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales) notes that by this time, owing to his experience as an educator, John Bosco’s ideas on several pedagogical and spiritual principles were well developed and linked and this led him to associate the fulfillment of daily duties with holiness in his advice to Savio. 

The Immaculate Conception Sodality

The definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary influenced Dominic and he was anxious to create at the school a lasting reminder of this event. He now felt that he had not long to live. With the help of his friends, he started a group called the Sodality of Mary Immaculate, the main aim of which was to be to obtain the special protection of Mary during life and at the time of death. The means Dominic proposed to this end were: (1) to honour, and to bring others to honour, Mary by different means, and (2) to encourage frequent Communion. On 8 June, he and his friends read out together before the altar of Mary at the Oratory, the set of rules they had drawn up. There were twenty-one articles (which were recorded by John Bosco in his biography), ending with an appeal to Mary for her assistance. These were submitted to the rector, and, after careful perusal, he gave his approval, under certain conditions. One of the members of this Sodality, Giuseppe Bongioanni, (who was later ordained a priest) was later to found the Sodality of the Blessed Sacrament, which became a traditional sodality in Catholic schools. 

Preparation for a holy death

All the pupils under John Bosco observed a monthly event called The Exercise of a Happy Death; this practice continues under the name The Monthly Day of Recollection. This practice was encouraged by Pope Pius IX. Part of this was to make a Confession and Communion as though they were the last ones to be made before death. Bosco notes that Dominic observed this practice devoutly, and that one day, Dominic said that he would be the first amongst the group to die. During the month of May, before his death, the intensity of his spiritual practices increased. John Bosco notes that he said, “Let me do what I can this year; if I am here next year I’ll let you know what my plans are.” 

Failing health

Dominic’s health was steadily deteriorating, but he spent most of his time with his friends, talking with them, and encouraging those who were experiencing troubles. He also helped at the school infirmary whenever his companions were admitted. On the recommendation of doctors, Dominic was sent home to recover from his ill health, but a few days later Bosco found him back at the Oratory. Despite his affection for Dominic, and his wish to allow Dominic to remain at the Oratory, John Bosco decided to follow the recommendation of the doctors, especially since Dominic had developed a severe cough and he wrote to Dominic’s father, fixing the date of his departure on 1 March 1857. Though Dominic said that he wanted to spend his last days at the Oratory, he accepted this decision and spent the evening before his departure at John Bosco’s side, discussing spiritual matters. (Bosco recorded a part of this conversation in his biography of Dominic). On the morning of his departure, Don Bosco notes that Dominic made the Exercise of a Happy Death with great zeal, even saying that this would be his final such devotion. He said his farewell to John Bosco, asking as a keepsake that Bosco add his name to the list of those who would participate in the Plenary Indulgence that John Bosco had received from the Pope, to which John Bosco readily agreed. He then took leave of his friends with great affection, which surprised them, for his illness was not considered by many of his companions to be serious. 

Death

In his first four days at home his appetite decreased and his cough worsened; this prompted his parents to send him to the doctor, who, at once, ordered bed rest. Inflammation was diagnosed, and as was the custom at that time, the doctor decided to perform bloodletting. The doctor cut Dominic’s arm ten times in the space of four days and it is now considered that this probably hastened his death.^[45] In his biography, John Bosco records that Dominic was calm throughout the procedure. The doctor assured his parents that the danger had passed and now it only remained for him to recuperate. Dominic, however, was sure that his death was approaching, and asked that he be allowed to make his Confession and receive Communion. Though they thought it unnecessary, his parents sent for the parish priest who heard Dominic’s confession and administered the Eucharist. After four days, despite the conviction of the doctor and his parents that he would get better, Dominic asked that he be given the Anointing of the Sick in preparation for death. Again, his parents agreed, to please him. On 9 March, he was given the papal blessing and he said the Confiteor. Don Bosco records that throughout these days, he stayed serene and calm. On the evening of 9 March 1857, after being visited by his parish priest, he asked his father to read him the prayers for the Exercise of a Happy Death from his book of devotions. Then he slept a while, and shortly awakened and said in a clear voice, “Goodbye, Dad, goodbye … what was it the parish priest suggested to me … I don’t seem to remember … Oh, what wonderful things I see …”. With these words, Dominic died, though, at first, it appeared to his father that he was asleep. Dominic’s father wrote in a letter to John Bosco, conveying the news of the death of his son, With my heart full of grief I send you this sad news. Dominic, my dear son and your child in God, like a white lily, like Aloysius Gonzaga, gave his soul to God on 9 March after having received with the greatest devotion the Last Sacraments and the Papal Blessing.

Prayer to St. Dominic Savio

Dear Saint Dominic, you spent your short life totally for love of Jesus and His Mother. Help youth today to realize the importance of God in their lives. You became a saint through fervent participation in the sacraments, enlighten parents and children to the importance of frequent confession and Holy Communion. At a young age you meditated on the sorrowful Passion of Our Lord. Obtain for us the grace of a fervent desire to suffer for love of Him. 

We desperately need your intercession to protect today’s children from the snares of the world. Watch over them and lead them on the narrow road to Heaven. Ask God to give us the grace to sanctify our daily duties by performing them perfectly out of love for Him. Remind us of the necessity of practicing virtue especially in times of trial. 

Saint Dominic Savio, you who preserved your Baptismal innocence of heart, pray for us. Amen.

Prayer to St. Dominic Savio

O Saint Dominic Savio, model of purity, piety, penance and apostolic zeal for youth; grant that, through your intercession, we may service God in our ordinary duties with fervent devotion, and attain the grace of holy joy on earth, that we may one day love God forever in Heaven. Amen.

Prayer to St. Dominic Savio

St. Dominic, like St. Therese, you knew that harsh penances and great mortifications were beyond you, so you vowed to suffer all the little things out of love for God. You never complained about the weather or bad food, you kept custody of your eyes, and held your tongue when necessary. Help us to offer the little sacrifices and sufferings of our daily lives in union with Jesus for the salvation of souls. St. Dominic, your First Communion was the happiest day of your life; help us to express our gratitude and appreciate the Eucharist more fully at every mass we attend. St. Dominic, you knew your death was approaching although no one else thought your illness was serious, and you prepared for your death with peace and serenity. Please pray that we too, may have a happy death, with all Sacraments, the apostolic blessing, and Jesus and Mary with us at our passing. May we join you around the throne in heaven, singing God’s praises forever. Amen.

St. Dominic Savio, pray for us!

Prayer to St. Dominic Savio for the youth

Dear Saint Dominic, you spent your short life totally for love of Jesus and His Mother.  Help youth today to realize the importance of God in their lives.  You became a saint through fervent participation in the sacraments, enlighten parents and children to the importance of frequent confession and Holy Communion.

At a young age you meditated on the sorrowful Passion of Our Lord.  Obtain for us the grace of a fervent desire to suffer for love of Him.  Amen.

Prayer to St. Dominic Savio

O Saint Dominic Savio, whose short life was so pleasing to God by its joyous piety, dauntless purity and burning zeal for souls; pray for me that, following your example, I man courageously flee sin and be for all my life a friend of Jesus and Mary, so that I may join you forever in Heaven. Amen.

Prayer of St. Dominic Savio

O Mary, I give you my heart. Grant me to be always yours. Jesus and Mary, be ever my friends; and, for love of you, grant me to die a thousand deaths rather than to have the misfortune of committing a single mortal sin. Amen.

Novena to St. Dominic Savio

(Please recite this novena for 9 consecutive days)
Dear Saint Dominic Savio you grew under the supervision and care of St. John Bosco. Witnessing the zeal of your mentor you shared his desire to bring the Lord a great many souls. Despite your frail and weak constitution
you devoutly waited for Holy Mass kneeling outside your church until the doors opened despite rain or snow.

We ask you to look upon all young people and inspire them to love the Holy Eucharist as you did. Pray that we may all share your aversion for sin and achieve a life of sanctity. Jesus always spoke of his love for children and we know that your requests will be well received. We humbly ask that you bring our petitions before the Lord.

[Mention your intentions here…]
Saint Dominic Savio, Pray for us.
Saint Dominic Savio, Pray for us.
Saint Dominic Savio, Pray for us.
Recite 1 Hail Mary…