Dominic Savio

Saint Domenico Savio (1842–1857) was a young Italian student and a disciple of Saint John Bosco. Born in Riva Presso Chieri, he was an ordinary boy who lived in an extraordinary way, and whose concern was to become a saint and to reach heaven, where there is eternal happiness. He showed remarkable holiness from an early age, choosing the motto: “Death rather than sin.” At the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in Turin, he lived a life of prayer, joy, and charity, inspiring his companions by his kindness and deep love for God. Despite his short life, Domenico’s extraordinary virtue made him a model for young people. He died at just 14 years old and was canonized in 1954 by Pope Pius XII. Today, he is honoured as a patron of youth and altar servers, a shining example that holiness is possible at any age.