Born in northern Italy on April 2, 1842, Dominic Savio had nine brothers and sisters. His father was a blacksmith, his mother a seamstress, and his family was poor, but they were hardworking and devout and pious Catholics.
An Exceptional Student
Even as a small child, Dominic was recognized as an exceptional student who studied hard and performed well in school. He became an altar server, attended daily Mass, went to confession regularly, and received his first Communion at the age of seven, a day he said was the happiest of his life.
In secondary school, Dominic was also clearly different from his peers. When two boys—known troublemakers—stuffed a school heating stove with snow and garbage, they blamed Dominic for the misdeed. Dominic did not deny the accusation and was thus reprimanded in front of the class. When the teacher learned the truth the next day and asked him why he did not defend himself, Dominic said that he was imitating Jesus who remained silent when unjustly accused.
With St. John Bosco
Dominic’s teacher spoke well of him and brought him to the attention of Fr. John Bosco (another future saint), who was renowned for taking care of boys—many, orphaned and poor. Having expressed interest in becoming a priest, Dominic studied directly under Fr. Bosco at the Oratory in Turin. A peacemaker and an organizer, Dominic assisted Fr. Bosco in helping neglected boys. However, his health began to fail and he was forced to return home.
‘What Wonderful Things I See’
Dominic insisted he was dying and asked his parents to call the parish priest so he could make a last confession and receive the Anointing of the Sick. He then asked his father to read him the prayers for the Exercise of a Happy Death. He said to his father, “Goodbye, Dad, goodbye … Oh what wonderful things I see!” Minutes later, he was called home to heaven. It was March 9, 1857; he was 14 years of age.
Fr. Bosco was so moved by Dominic’s example that he wrote, “The Life of Dominic Savio.” The biography was popular and eventually read in schools across Italy. Dominic was canonized in 1954 by Pope Pius XII, and he is the patron saint of choirboys, the falsely accused, and juvenile delinquents. His feast day is May 6.
