Saint Dominic Savio

Biography

Saint Dominic Savio, born on April 2, 1842, in Riva di Chieri, Turin, Italy, was one of ten children of a blacksmith named Carlo Savio and a seamstress named Brigida Gaiato. From a young age, Dominic showed great piety and holiness, setting him on a path to sainthood. At the tender age of five, Dominic became an altar boy, serving at Mass and assisting the priests in his local parish. His devotion to his duties caught the attention of Saint John Bosco, who was the parish priest at the time. Saint John Bosco recognized Dominic's potential and became his mentor, guiding him spiritually and academically. When Dominic turned twelve, he entered the Oratory School, which was run by Saint John Bosco. The school aimed to prepare young boys for the priesthood, and it was here that Dominic's desire to become a priest was nurtured. Despite his young age, Dominic impressed his teachers and fellow students with his diligence, intelligence, and exemplary behavior. He became well-liked by everyone due to his kindness, humility, and genuine care for others. However, Dominic's dream of becoming a priest was cut short due to his declining health. He suffered from numerous respiratory ailments, and it became evident that he would not be able to withstand the physical demands of the priesthood. Despite this disappointment, Dominic remained steadfast in his faith and accepted God's will for his life. On March 9, 1857, at the age of fifteen, Dominic passed away in Mondonio, Italy. His final words, "What beautiful things I see!", were a testament to his deep faith and the joy he experienced as he approached death. His dying words captured the essence of his spirituality and his unwavering belief in the beauty of God's creation. Today, the birthplace of Dominic, in Riva di Chieri, has been transformed into a retreat house for teenagers. The home where he grew up in Morialdo also serves as a retreat house for children. The final house where Dominic lived in Mondonio, where the Savio family moved when he was ten, is now a pilgrimage site. Visitors can explore his father's metal shop and his mother's tailoring shop, gaining a deeper understanding of Dominic's humble background. Dominic's tomb can be found in the basilica of Mary, Help of Christians in Turin. Notably, his tomb is not far from the resting place of his mentor, Saint John Bosco, who had a significant impact on Dominic's life. The proximity of their tombs symbolizes the close bond they shared and the spiritual legacy Dominic inherited from Saint John Bosco. On July 11, 1933, Pope Pius XI venerated Dominic, recognizing his exemplary life of holiness and virtue. Subsequently, on March 5, 1950, Venerable Pope Pius XII beatified Dominic, further affirming his sanctity. Finally, on June 12, 1954, Venerable Pope Pius XII canonized Dominic Savio, declaring him a saint of the Catholic Church. Saint Dominic Savio is affectionately remembered as the patron saint of boys, children's choirs, choir boys, choirs, falsely accused people, juvenile delinquents, Pueri Cantores (children's choirs), Colegio Santo Domingo in Bogotá, Colombia, and singers. His life continues to inspire and serve as a shining example of faith, obedience, and love for God and others.