St. Dominic Savio Biography
St. Dominic Savio was a 19th century Italian teenage student who is known for his strong faith and dedication to God. He was born on April 2, 1842 in Becchi, Italy, the fifth of nine children. From a young age, Dominic displayed a deep religious devotion and a love for prayer.
In 1854, at the age of 12, Dominic was sent to the boarding school of St. John Bosco in the city of Turin, where he studied under the guidance of St. John Bosco himself. Dominic was an exemplary student, known for his strong faith, his dedication to God, and his willingness to help others. He was also an active member of the school’s sodality, a Catholic youth organization, where he helped to lead the other students in their spiritual lives.
Despite his young age, Dominic took his faith very seriously and he was determined to become a priest. He made a private vow to remain chaste, to always tell the truth, and to daily recite the rosary. He also fasted regularly, and would often give his food away to the poor.
Dominic’s deep faith and his commitment to God impressed many of those around him, including his teachers and his peers. He was known for his strong devotion to the Virgin Mary and for his deep love of God. He had a strong desire to bring others closer to God and encouraged his classmates to follow his example.
In 1857, at the age of 15, Dominic fell ill with pleurisy and, despite the care and attention of St. John Bosco, he passed away on March 9, 1857. His death was a blow to his community and to St. John Bosco, who saw in him a great potential for holiness.
After his death, many miracles were attributed to Dominic, and his reputation for holiness began to spread. In 1950, Pope Pius XII declared him a Saint. His feast day is celebrated on March 9.
St. Dominic Savio is remembered for his strong faith and dedication to God, as well as his commitment to helping others and spreading the message of God. His example and inspiration to his peers and his young age at which he demonstrated such strong commitment to his faith continue to be an inspiration for many people today.
His deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and his daily practice of the rosary and fasting, reflect his deep devotion to God and the power of prayer. He is considered a model for the education of young people and his canonization by Pope Pius XII, gave recognition to the importance of the role of young people in the Church. He is also considered a patron saint for young people.
The Life of St. Dominic Savio
One of St. John Bosco’s first pupils was St. Dominic Savio, who was born in Riva, northern Italy, on April 2, 1842. From early youth he manifested an unusual seriousness of purpose and intense devotion to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and to the Holy Eucharist. When, at the age of seven, he made his First Holy Communion, he formed the motto, “”Death, but not sin!””
A Model of Christian Living
From St. Don Bosco he learned how the joy of serving God and making Him loved by others can become a powerful means of evangelization. Pope St. Pius X said of St. Dominic Savio: “A teenager such as Dominic, who bravely struggled to preserve undefiled his baptismal innocence to the very last is indeed a saint!
At fifteen, he had become a giant of the spirit…. His was, indeed, the perfection of Christian life-a life drawing its strength from three main sources namely, Purity, Piety, Zeal“-Pius XI.
And Pope Pius XII declared on the occasion of the solemn canonization on June 12, 1954: “If in the course of centuries the forces of evil do not cease their attacks against the work of the Divine Redeemer, God does not fail to answer the anguished prayers of His children in danger, raising up soils, rich in the gifts of nature and of grace, who will be a comfort and help to their brethren.
When the spirit of revolt and pride causes the consciences of men to grow feeble, God calls to the standard of Christ’s Cross heroes of sanctity who radiate the splendors of virginal purity and fraternal char city to serve all the needs of the soul and to maintain in its integrity the fervor of Christian virtues.
Among the heroes of the Church there appears the image of St. Dominic Savio, the delicate adolescent, weak of body, but with a soul determined upon a pure oblation of itself to the exacting love of Christ.”
As he was dying on March 9, 1857, he burst out into an ecstatic exclamation, “”Oh, what a beautiful sight I see! Saint Dominic Savio is the youngest Confessor in the Church’s calendar of saints, and stands out as a hero of school-boy virtue, the shining model of holiness.
Popular St. Dominic Savio Medal and St. Dominic Savio Rosary
A St. Dominic Savio medal or a St. Dominic Savio rosary is a perfect gift to give to a young man or choir boy who has chosen St. Dominic Savio as their confirmation name. As the patron saint of church choirs, wearing a St. Dominic Savio medal daily is a perpetual prayer for Saint Dominic Savio to intercede on behalf of the wearer. As saints are united closer to God, their prayers are more efficacious, and enriches your own prayer.
Additionally, a Saint Dominic Savio pendant is a reminder to emulate the example of the holy saint as you go about your day or sing and practice in the Church choir. What a beautiful testament of faith to share with the world, or to keep discretely tucked under your clothes. During the challenging moments of your day, reflect upon the holy life of St. Dominic Savio and pray for their intercession and protection.
Prayers to St. Dominic Savio
Prayer of Intercession to St. Dominic Savio
Dear Saint Dominic Savio, you grew under the supervision and care of St. John Bosco. Witnessing the zeal of your mentor you shared his desire to bring the Lord a great many souls. Despite your frail and weak constitution you devoutly waited for Holy Mass kneeling outside your church until the doors opened despite rain or snow.
We ask you to look upon all young people and inspire them to love the Holy Eucharist as you did. Pray that we may all share your aversion for sin and achieve a life of sanctity. Jesus always spoke of his love for children and we know that your requests will be well received. We humbly ask that you bring our petitions before the Lord.
St. Dominic Savio Prayer for Children
O holy St. Dominic Savio, who, although but a child, didst lead so pure and innocent a life that thou didst win the admiration of all who knew thee, and didst die so full of grace as to become an object of reverence and love to the people of God; grant that we, through thy powerful intercession, may be led to a deep love of Jesus and Mary, and may imitate thee in all things, so that we too may become saints. Amen.
St. Dominic Savio Prayer for Purity
O St. Dominic Savio, model of youthful purity, who steadfastly refused to be influenced by the evil around you and chose instead to love and serve God with all your heart, mind, and strength, intercede for us that we may follow your example and reject all that is contrary to God’s will. Help us to imitate your virtues, especially your love for the Eucharist, and your devotion to the Mother of God. May your prayers help us to grow in grace and love for our Lord Jesus Christ, and to attain the fullness of life for which we were created. Amen.
St. Dominic Savio Prayer for Young People
O St. Dominic Savio, young servant of God, who, despite your tender age, chose to live a life of heroic virtue, we turn to you in trust and ask for your intercession. Help us to be guided by the light of faith in all that we do, and to walk in the way of truth and love. Teach us to put aside all that is worldly and to seek only what is good, holy, and pleasing to God. May your life and example inspire us to be saints, and may your prayers bring us to the fullness of life in Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Dominic Savio: Patron Saint of Youth
St. Dominic Savio was an Italian boy who lived in the mid-19th century and is remembered today as the patron saint of youth. He is known for his unwavering faith, his devotion to God, and his commitment to living a life of virtue and holiness.
Early Life and Conversion
St. Dominic was born in 1842 in Italy, and he was raised in a deeply religious family. From a young age, he had a deep love for God and a strong commitment to living a life of virtue and holiness. He eventually joined the Salesian Society, a religious community dedicated to serving the poor and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Devotion to God
St. Dominic was known for his unwavering faith and his devotion to God. He lived a life of prayer and contemplation, and he was known for his deep love for the poor and his commitment to serving others. Despite his young age, he was a powerful witness to the transformative power of faith and the love of God.
Patron Saint of Youth
St. Dominic is remembered today as the patron saint of youth, and he is invoked by young people around the world who are seeking guidance and inspiration on their spiritual journeys. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and devotion, and his legacy continues to inspire people to this day.
St. Dominic’s message to young people is one of hope and encouragement. He reminds us that no matter our age, we have the power to make a difference in the world, to live a life of faith and devotion, and to bring light and love to others. Through his life and his example, he inspires us to be our best selves and to make a positive impact in the world.
Reflection on the feast day of St. Dominic Savio
The feast day of St. Dominic Savio is on March 9th.
St. Dominic Savio was an Italian Catholic saint and young student of the 19th century. He is remembered for his deep devotion to God, his piety, and his strong commitment to living a life of virtue and holiness at a young age. He was a student of Saint John Bosco, and is considered a model for young people. He is the patron saint of young students.
On the feast day of St. Dominic Savio, we are called to reflect on his life and the example he set for us. We can learn from his deep devotion to God and his commitment to living a life of virtue and holiness, even at a young age. He is a model of holiness and of putting the needs of others before his own.
St. Dominic Savio’s example teaches us that we are never too young to start living a life of holiness and virtue. He showed that with a strong faith and the desire to grow closer to God, we can achieve great things. He is an inspiration for young people to strive for a deeper spiritual life and to make the most of the time they have.
St. Dominic Savio’s life also teaches us about the importance of education and the role of the Church in shaping young people’s lives. He was a student at the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales, where he received a solid education and formation. He is a model for young people who strive to live a life of virtue and holiness while receiving a good education.
In this homily, let us ask for the intercession of St. Dominic Savio, that we may be inspired by his example to deepen our own devotion to God, to strive for a life of virtue and holiness, and to make the most of our time. He is a model for young people, and his example can guide them in their own spiritual journey and in the pursuit of a good education. Let us also pray for the intercession of St. Dominic Savio, that he may guide and protect young students all over the world
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Also check out our handmade St. Dominic Savio Medal and St. Dominic Savio Rosary and St. Dominic Savio Rosary Bracelet .