Promise of holiness
Dominic Savio was born on April 2, 1842, in
San Giovanni di Riva, near Chieri (Turin).On the occasion of his first communion, at the age of seven, he set out
his life's programme: "I will go to Confession frequently and Communion as
often as my confessor allows. I want to make Sundays and feast days holy. My
friends will be Jesus and Mary. Death
but not sin". At twelve, Don Bosco accepted him into the Oratory in
Turin and Dominic asked his help in order to "become a saint".
Gentle, serene and happy, he put great effort into fulfilling his duties as a
student and helping his companions in every way he could, teaching them Catechism,
assisting the sick and settling quarrels.
Road to holiness
One day he said to a companion, who had just arrived in the Oratory:
"You should know that here we make holiness consist in being always
cheerful. We just try to avoid sin, which is the great enemy that robs us of
the grace of God and peace of heart, and we try to to fulfill our duties
exactly." He was very faithful to his programme of work, sustained by
intense participation in sacramental life, by a filial devotion to Mary and by
joyful sacrifice. God enriched him with many special gifts.
Love for Mary
On December 8, 1854, when Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate
Conception, Dominic consecrated himself to Mary and began to advance rapidly in
holiness. In 1856, he founded the Immaculate Conception Sodality among his
friends. This was a group dedicated to apostolic action and peer ministry.
Love for the Eucharist
Mamma Margaret, who had come to Turin to help her priest son, one day
said to him: "You have many good boys, but no one surpasses the beauty of
heart and soul of Dominic Savio". And she explained: "I see him
always praying, even remaining in Church after the others; every day he leaves
recreation to visit the Blessed Sacrament; when he is in Church, he is like an
angel in Heaven". He died in Moriondo on March 9, 1857. His remains are in
the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin. His feast is celebrated on
May 6. Pope Pius XI defined him as "A little, or rather, a great giant of
the Spirit". He is patron of young choir singers.
Beatified 5-3-5 Canonised 12-6-54
Source: sdb.org
