Born in Italy in 1842, Dominic Savio was one of ten children born to poor parents. Dominic was unlike the other children from an early age. He developed quickly in his spiritual life far beyond those the same age. At age five Dominic became an altar server and at age twelve a student at Don Bosco’s oratory school in Turin, Italy.

While at the famous school, Dominic got along well with all the other boys. Whenever a fight broke out, Dominic took the role of peacemaker. He celebrated the sacrament of Penance often and received communion as often as he could. Dominic prayed with unusual zeal, often praying for hours at a time.

When Dominic was fourteen, he became very sick and was sent home from school to recuperate. But Dominic’s health only worsened. Before he died, he told his father that he was experiencing a vision of heaven filled with wonderful things. Dominic died at age fourteen in 1857.

Don Bosco, a priest who devoted his entire life to helping poor and abandoned children (and was canonized a saint in 1934), urged the Church to canonize Dominic Savio. Dominic became the patron saint of young boys. His feast day is celebrated on May 6.

Family Activity

	Have everyone write a letter to someone who has been a good role model for them.

	•		In the letters include reasons why this person is looked up to and then thank him or her for being a good example of a Christian.
	•		Deliver letters to these role models.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.