Dominic Savio was born in Riva, Italy, in 1842 and became a student of Saint John Bosco at the Oratory in Turin, where he was known for his cheerfulness, purity, and devotion to prayer. He died in 1857 at only fourteen years old and was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1954, one of the youngest non-martyrs ever declared a saint.
Dominic shows that holiness is not reserved for the old or the extraordinary — a young person can love God completely in ordinary school days, friendships, and small kindnesses. His gentle resolve, 'Death rather than sin,' came wrapped in joy, reminding us that a short life lived close to God is a full one.
Saint Dominic Savio, friend of the young, help us to love God with a cheerful and pure heart, and watch over all children who have gone home to Him. Amen.Enter today’s Mass → All saints →