St. Dominic Savio

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Saint Details

St. Dominic Savio was a young Italian student of St. John Bosco, who became a saint by living a holy life filled with joy, prayer, and devotion. He died at the age of 14 and is a model for youth striving to live faithfully.

St. Dominic Savio was born on April 2, 1842, in the small village of Riva di Chieri, near Turin, Italy. He was the second of ten children in a devout Catholic family. From a very early age, Dominic showed signs of deep faith, intelligence, and a strong desire for holiness. By the age of five, he had learned to serve Mass, and at just seven, he was allowed to receive his First Communion — a rare occurrence at the time. It was then that he composed his personal rule of life, including promises to go to confession often, receive Communion frequently, make Sundays holy, and never commit sin — even declaring “Death rather than sin” as his motto.

Dominic’s life took a significant turn when he met St. John Bosco at the age of 12. He joined Don Bosco’s Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in Turin, where his spiritual life flourished. Dominic wasn’t extraordinary because of great achievements or miracles during his life, but because of the intense love and devotion with which he lived each moment. His attitude toward others was kind and compassionate; he often mediated between boys at the oratory and encouraged others to live morally and spiritually upright lives.

He also founded a group with his friends called “The Company of the Immaculate Conception,” focused on encouraging each other in acts of kindness, prayer, and spiritual growth. Dominic practiced many small acts of penance and offered sacrifices silently, always striving to deepen his relationship with God. Despite frequent illness and weakness, he never complained and continued his life of devotion.

Dominic’s health began to decline in early 1857. Diagnosed with lung inflammation, he returned home where he died peacefully on March 9, 1857, at the age of 14. His final words were, “Oh, what beautiful things I see!” His life was a testimony that sanctity is possible even in youth and through ordinary daily life, provided it's lived with extraordinary love for God and neighbor.

His spiritual mentor, Don Bosco, wrote a biography that brought Dominic’s story to the attention of the wider Church. He was beatified in 1950 and canonized on June 12, 1954, by Pope Pius XII. Dominic Savio is the youngest non-martyr saint to be canonized in the Catholic Church and remains a powerful patron of youth, particularly those striving to live chastely and faithfully. His life is a witness to the idea that true greatness lies in love, sacrifice, and purity of heart.

Feast Day

6-5-

Birth Date

2-4-1842

Died Date

9-3-1857

Canonised Date

12-6-1954

Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, Turin, Italy

Dear St. Dominic Savio, You lived a life of purity, joy, and devotion to God. Intercede for us, that we may follow your example of holiness and love for Jesus. Help us to remain faithful in all things, and to always seek God’s will in our lives. Guide us in our daily struggles, that we may grow in virtue and holiness. Amen.
ST. DOMINIC SAVIO

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ST. DOMINIC SAVIO

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Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
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