Saint of the day May 6, 2025

“A little, or rather, a great giant of the Spirit," Dominic was born on April 2, 1842, in San Giovanni di Riva, near Chieri (Turin). On the occasion of his First Communion, at the age of seven, he set out his plan of life: "I will go to Confession frequently and Communion as often as my confessor allows. I want to make Sundays and feast days holy. My friends will be Jesus and Mary."

At twelve, Dominic was accepted into the Oratory in Turin by John Bosco and Dominic asked his help in order to "become a saint." Gentle, serene and happy, he put great effort into fulfilling his duties as a student and helping his companions in every way he could, teaching them Catechism, assisting the sick, and settling quarrels.

One day, he said to a companion who had just arrived in the Oratory, "You should know that here we make holiness consist of always being cheerful. We just try to avoid sin, which is the great enemy that robs us of the grace of God and peace of heart, and we try to fulfill our duties exactly." He was very faithful to his program of work, sustained by intense participation in sacramental life, by a filial devotion to Mary and by joyful sacrifice. God enriched him with many special gifts.

On December 8, 1854, when Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Dominic consecrated himself to Mary and began to advance rapidly in holiness. In 1856, he founded the Immaculate Conception Sodality among his friends. This was a group dedicated to apostolic action and peer ministry.

John Bosco’s mother, Margaret, had come to Turin to help her son. One day, Mama Margaret said to John Bosco, "You have many good boys, but no one surpasses the beauty of the heart and soul of Dominic Savio." She explained, "I see him always praying, even remaining in Church after the others; every day he leaves recreation to visit the Blessed Sacrament; when he is in Church, he is like an angel in Heaven."

When Dominic was 14, he became very sick. Today we have medicines to treat the illness Dominic had, but there was nothing that could help him in those days. He died peacefully just before his 15th birthday after receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Father John Bosco, who was later canonized a saint, wrote the story of Dominic’s life. Dominic was named a saint in 1954, almost 100 years after he died. He was the youngest non-martyr to be declared a saint in the Church. Some people thought that he had not lived long enough to be considered for sainthood. His feast is celebrated on May 6. Pope Pius XI defined him as "A little, or rather, a great giant of the Spirit". He is the patron of young choir singers.

Reflection

Saint Dominic Savio was known for his exceptional piety, devotion to God, youthful spirit, and sincere love for those around him.

Despite his short life, he profoundly impacted others, including his family, peers, and spiritual mentor, Saint John Bosco.

Saint Dominic Savio is recognized for inspiring many to follow in his footsteps! His life is a shining example of what it means to live a life of faith, virtue, and compassion. Dominic’s example teaches us that no matter how old we are, we can serve the Lord in small ways every day.