Dominic Savio, a choirboys’ patron saint, emerged from humble origins in Riva, Italy. At twelve, he joined St. John Bosco’s Oratory in Turin as a student. His aspiration for priesthood and dedication to aiding Bosco with marginalized youth marked him out. Dominic was a natural mediator and leader, establishing the Company of the Immaculate Conception. This group was not only devotional but also supported Bosco’s work with the youth and in manual tasks. By 1859, all members except Dominic had joined the initial ranks of Bosco’s Salesian order. Dominic, however, had already passed on.

Dominic was known for his profound prayer life, often experiencing raptures he humorously termed “my distractions.” His spirituality was so intense that he feared his expressions of faith might be misunderstood as frivolity by his peers. He held a belief in performing all actions, no matter how minor, for God’s greater glory.

Fragile health plagued Dominic, leading to severe lung issues. Attempting to recuperate at home, he underwent bleeding, a common treatment then, which only exacerbated his condition. He died on March 9, 1857, after receiving the Last Rites, with St. John Bosco chronicling his life.

There were those who questioned Dominic’s sainthood due to his youth. Contrary to this, St. Pius X affirmed that his young age was not a barrier but a testament to his sanctity, leading to his canonization in 1954.

Photo credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
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16 COMMENTS

  1. My regret was I was able to visit his place when I toured Italy.He deserves to be saint.Also,I loved the song written for him.

  2. May we learn from St. Dominic Savio’s example and make everything we do, for the greater glory of God.

    St. Dominic Savio, pray for us!

  3. Dominic Savio is my patron saint. I love his story and how he wished to the best he could for the glory of God. Many years back I had a small statue of Saint Dominic Savio until it broke in a storm that hit our Island of Guam and I hope that someone can tell me how I can acquire another statue of Saint Dominic Savio.

  4. St. DOMINIC, you who my son is named after, pray for my brother Evan and sister-in-law April, protect their marriage and let Satan not harm their family. Amen

  5. This young man had the same type of sweet spirit that St. Therese had. Pray that we would all emulate it. I’m sure that he was one of the first ones to greet St. Don Bosco when he got to heaven!

  6. Thank you for letting us attend your grade school. Please pray for all the children who go there. God bless you Saint Dominic!!!

  7. 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.

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