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<div class="usermessage">This is my personal Sandbox. Here I do editorial experiments on the articles or sections that I contribute to.<span style="color:#002bb8;text-decoration;cursor:pointer;">This is not a link.</span> (<span style="color:#002bb8;text-decoration;cursor:pointer;">It is merely that the cursor turns into a hand.</span>).</div> 
{{Disputed|date=March 2009}}
{{Expert-subject|Biography|date=March 2009}}
{{Infobox Saint
|name=Saint Dominic Savio
|birth_date=[[April 2]], [[1842]]
|death_date=[[March 9]],[[1857]]
|feast_day=[[May 6]] (formerly [[9 March]])
|venerated_in=[[Roman Catholic Church]]
|image=DominicSavio.gif
|imagesize=200px
|birth_place= San Giovanni, a ''[[frazione]]'' of [[Riva presso Chieri]], [[Piedmont]], [[Italy]] <ref name=santiebeati>See [http://santiebeati.it/dettaglio/32300 Domenico Savio] at santiebeati.it</ref>
|death_place=Mondonio, a ''frazione'' of Castelnuovo d’Asti (today [[Castelnuovo Don Bosco]]), Piedmont, Italy <ref name=santiebeati />
|titles=[[Confessor]]
|beatified_date=[[5 March]], [[1950]]
|beatified_place=
|beatified_by=[[Pope Pius XII]]
|canonized_date=[[12 June]], [[1954]]
|canonized_place=
|canonized_by=[[Pope Pius XII]]
|patronage=Boys, choirs, falsely accused people, juvenile delinquents, Pueri Cantores<ref>SaintPatrickDC.org: [http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/0309.htm Saints of the Day] at the website of the Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Washington, D.C.; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]]. </ref> 
|major_shrine=The [[Basilica]] of [[Mary, Help of Christians]] in [[Turin]] (his tomb)
|prayer=THE FOUR RESOLUTIONS OF ST. DOMINIC SAVIO (He made these resolutions at the age of seven while preparing himself to receive his First Holy Communion)
# I will go to Confession often and receive Holy Communion as often as my Confessor will allow.
# I will sanctify Sundays and holy days in a special way.
# Jesus and Mary will be my friends.
# Death rather than sin.
(The final resolution became his motto in life)<ref>DonBosco.asn.au: [http://www.donbosco.asn.au/auxilium/savio.htm St. Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]]. </ref>
|prayer_attrib=[http://www.salesiansisters.org.au/saints5.html SalesianSisters.org]  
}}

[[Dominic Savio]] ([[April 2]], [[1842]] - [[March 9]], [[1857]])<ref>SalesianVocation.com:[http://www.salesianvocation.com/saviobio.htm Biography of St.Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]].</ref> ([[Italian Language|Italian]]: ''Domenico Savio'')<ref>SantieBeati.it:[http://www.santiebeati.it/dettaglio/32300 San Domenico Savio Adolescente]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]]. </ref>  was an Italian adolescent who died at the age of fourteen. (24 days short of his fifteenth birthday) <ref>CatholicForum.org:[http://www.catholic-forum.com/SAINTS/saintd05.htm Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]].</ref> He had become a pupil of [[John Bosco]] at the age of 12, and was studying to become a priest when he took ill and died, possibly from [[pleurisy]].<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/pdf/MOpart1.pdf ''Memoirs of the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales'' by St. John Bosco (footnote 19, Chapter 6)]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]]. </ref> He was [[Canonization|canonised]] a Saint on June 12, 1954 by [[Pope Pius XII]],<ref>CatholicForum.org:[http://www.catholic-forum.com/SAINTS/saintd05.htm Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]].</ref> and is the youngest non-[[martyr]] to be canonised in the [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic Church]].<ref>DonBosco-torino.it:[http://www.donbosco-torino.it/eng/page5.html Main Altars in the Church]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]]</ref> Dominic Savio is different from other saints in his age group ( for example, [[Maria Goretti]] or Ponticus of Lyons<ref>EarlyChristianWritings.com: [http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/viennalyons.html Letter from Vienna and Lyons]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]]</ref> ) since Savio was declared a Saint not because he was a martyr, but since he was judged to have displayed "heroic virtue" in his everyday life.<ref>stthomasirondequoit.com:[http://www.stthomasirondequoit.com/SaintsAlive/id752.htm Saints Alive: St. Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]]</ref>

==Biography==
The major part of the biographical information known about Dominic Savio comes from his biography written by [[John Bosco]], in addition to the testimonies given by Savio's family and friends.<ref>DonBoscoWest.org: [http://www.donboscowest.org/saints/savio/savio1.htm#childhood St. Dominic Savio: Childhood]</ref> 
 
===Birth===
[[File:Italy Regions Piedmont Map.png|thumbnail|left|150px|The Italian region of [[Piedmont]], where the birthplace of Dominic Savio is located.]]
On [[April 2]], [[1842]] in the village of [[Riva presso Chieri|Riva]], two miles from the town of [[Chieri]], in the province of [[Piedmont]], northern [[Italy]] <ref>DonBoscoWest.org: [http://www.donboscowest.org/saints/savio/savio1.htm#childhood St. Dominic Savio: Childhood]</ref> a son was born to Charles and Brigid Savio. <ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 1: Home – The boy's character – His early goodness)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]];</ref> He was given the name Dominic at baptism. The name ''Dominic'' means "belonging to God" and the name ''Savio'' means "wise". <ref>Catholic-Forum.com: [http://www.catholic-forum.com/SAINTS/saintd05.htm Patron Saints Index: St. Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> His parents had ten chidren in all. His father was a blacksmith and his mother, a seamstress. They were poor, hardworking and pious.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 1: Home – The boy's character – His early goodness)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]];</ref> 

===Early life===
====At Home====
When Dominic Savio was two years old, his parents returned to their native place at [[Murialdo]] on the outskirts of [[Castelnuovo Don Bosco|Castelnuovo d'Asti]] (from where they had gone to Riva in 1841)<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_I.html The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 1-Early Life and Extraordinary Gifts]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>.His parents took great care to give him a Christian upbringing.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 1: Home – The boy's character – His early goodness)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]];</ref> By the age of four, Dominic Savio was able to pray by himself and was occasionally found in solitude, praying.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_I.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 1-Early Life and Extraordinary Gifts]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> In his biography of Dominic Savio, Don Bosco records that Savio's parents recollect how he used to help his mother around the house, welcome his father home, say his prayers without being reminded to, (even reminding others when they forgot) and say [[Grace (prayer)|Grace]] at mealtimes unfailingly (once leaving the table when a visitor started eating without any prior prayer).<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 1: Home – The boy's character – His early goodness)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]];</ref>
[[File:Piedmont Provinces 2.png|thumbnail|right|150px|The constituent provinces of Piedmont, including Asti and Turin,.]]
====At the village school====
Fr Giovanni Zucca from Moriondo, who was then the chaplain at Murialdo when Dominic Savio was five years old,<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 2: Good behaviour at Murialdo – Signs of virtue – Attendance at the village school)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]];</ref> notes in a statement to John Bosco that he came to notice Dominic Savio due to his regular church attendance with his mother, and due to his habit of kneeling down outside the church to pray (even in the mud or snow) if he happened to come to Church too early in the morning before it had been unlocked. The chaplain also notes that Savio made good progress at the village school not merely due to his cleverness, but also by working hard; he would not join the other boys in doing something that he believed to be morally wrong and would explain why he thought a particular deed was wrong;<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 2: Good behaviour at Murialdo – Signs of virtue – Attendance at the village school)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]];</ref> At the age of five, he learned to [[Altar server|serve Mass]], and would try to attend Mass daily and made frequent [[Confession]]s; Having been permitted to make his [[First Communion]] at an early age, he had much reverence for the [[Eucharist]].<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_II.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 2-Examples of Youthful Virtue at Murialdo. His Early Days at School.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>  

====His First Communion====
At that time, it was customary for children to take their [[First Communion]] at the age of twelve.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 3: His first communion – Preparation, recollection and memories of the day)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]];</ref> (Pope Pius X would later lower this age to seven<ref>Fatima.org: [http://www.fatima.org/joel/jo-pg037.asp  ''Jesus Our Eucharistic Love''-Chapter 3: Jesus in Me]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> ) After initial hesitation, and subsequent consultation with other priests, the parish priest agreed to permit Dominic Savio to receive his First Communion at the age of seven, since he knew his Catechism and understood the concept of the Eucharist.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 3: His first communion – Preparation, recollection and memories of the day)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> He spent much time praying and reading in preparation.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_III.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 3-Dominic is Allowed to Make His First Communion Before the Usual Age. Preparation for the Important Day. His Resolutions..]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> He asked his mother's forgiveness for anything he might have done to displease her and then went to Church. In his biography of Dominic Savio, John Bosco devotes a chapter to tell of Dominic Savio's First Communion. He says that several years later, whenever Dominic talked of the day of his First Communion, he said with joy: "That was the happiest and most wonderful day of my life"<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 3: His first communion – Preparation, recollection and memories of the day)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> John Bosco records that on the day of his First Communion, Dominic made some promises to himself which he wrote in a "little book", and re-read them many times. John Bosco once looked through Dominic's book, and he quotes from it the promises that he made:<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_III.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 3-Dominic is Allowed to Make His First Communion Before the Usual Age. Preparation for the Important Day. His Resolutions..]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>

:''Resolutions made by me, Dominic Savio, in the year 1849, on the day of my First Communion, at the age of seven.''

:''1. I will go to Confession often, and as frequently to Holy Communion as my confessor allows.
:''2. I wish to sanctify the Sundays and festivals in a special manner.''
:''3. My friends shall be Jesus and Mary.''
:''4. Death rather than sin.''<ref>[http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Another translation] reads "Death, but not sin."</ref>
''
====At the County School====
For further education, Savio had to go to another school. It was decided that he would go to the County School at [[Castelnuovo Don Bosco|Castelnuovo]], three miles away from his house.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 4: School at Castelnuovo d'Asti – An edifying occasion – Wise answer to bad advice)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> (Castelnuovo d' Asti, now Castelnuovo Don Bosco, was the birthplace of another contemporary of John Bosco, [[Joseph Cafasso]], also a saint. He was four years the senior of John Bosco, and John Bosco's mentor and advisor.<ref>CatholicTradition.org: [http://www.catholictradition.org/Tradition/preparation.htm Excerpts taken from the book, ''St. Joseph Cafasso'',  by St. John Bosco]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>)  Now ten years old, Dominic walked to and from school. In his biography of Dominic Savio, Don Bosco records how a local farmer once asked Savio on a hot sunny day if he was not tired from walking, and received the reply: "Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a master who pays well."<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_IV.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 4-Dominic's School Career at Castelnuovo d'Asti. Trials and Difficulties. His Treatment of Evil Council. His Master's Encomium.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> Don Bosco also notes that Dominic refused to go swimming<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/pdf/MOpart1.pdf Memoirs of the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales by John Bosco, Chapter 8, footnotes (2.1), (2.2), (2.3)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> with his friends, since it was easy to get drowned, and since Savio considered that in such a situation, it would be "also easy to offend God",<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 4: School at Castelnuovo d'Asti – An edifying occasion – Wise answer to bad advice)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> since, on a previous occasion, he had noticed that it was easily an occassion for his friends to behave in, what was to him, a vulgar manner.<ref>Library.Catholic.org: [http://library.catholic.org/family/family109.txt ''The Saints and Our Children-Chapter 3: Dominic Savio:The Schoolboy Saint'' by Mary Reed Newland]</ref> Don Bosco, in his biography of Dominic Savio, records that Fr. Allora, the head of this school, had this to say about Dominic Savio: "...Hence it may very well be said that he was Savio (wise), not only in name, but in fact, viz., in his studies, in [[piety]], in conversation and his dealing with others, and in all his actions. ..."<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_IV.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 4-Dominic's School Career at Castelnuovo d'Asti. Trials and Difficulties. His Treatment of Evil Council. His Master's Encomium.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> 
===Under Don Bosco's mentorship===
====Dominic Savio meets John Bosco====
[[Image:Donbosco furbo.jpg|thumbnail|left|150px|St. Don Bosco, the spiritual mentor of St. Dominic Savio.]]
It was Fr. Giuseppe Cugliero,<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 4: School at Castelnuovo d'Asti – An edifying occasion – Wise answer to bad advice)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> Dominic's teacher at school, who gave a high account of Dominic to John Bosco and reccomended that John Bosco meet him during the Feast of the [[Rosary]], when he would take his boys to [[Murialdo]]. Accordingly, Dominic met John Bosco on the first Monday in the month of [[October]], [[1854]], accompanied by his father.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_VI.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 6-My First Meeting with Dominic Savio. Some Curious Incidents Connected With It.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> John Bosco records this conversation in some detail. He notes that Dominic was eager to go to Turin with John Bosco and study under him, and that he wished to become a priest after completing his studies.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 7: The first time I got to know him. Some curious moments in our meeting)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> This meeting was the beginning of the relationship between them. The result of this meeting was that John Bosco agreed to take Dominic Savio to Turin with him.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_VI.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 6-My First Meeting with Dominic Savio. Some Curious Incidents Connected With It.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> 

====At the Oratory of St Francis de Sales====
John Bosco records that when Dominic arrived at the Oratory, he at once placed himself under his (John Bosco's) guidance.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_VII.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 7-Dominic Comes to the Oratory of St. Francis of Sales. His Manner of Life.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> He also notes that Dominic Savio worked diligently and followed the school rules. He would happily listen to talks and sermons (even if they tended to be lengthy at times), and would, without hesitation, ask for clarification on points that were not clear to him. John Bosco also notes how Dominic was obedient to his teachers and chose his companions carefully.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 8: He comes to the Oratory of St Francis de Sales – His lifestyle at the beginning)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>  (The proper choice of close companions was a favourite educational theme for John Bosco.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/pdf/MOpart1.pdf Memoirs of the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales by John Bosco, Chapter 8, footnote (1)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> ) This happened in the year [[1854]], while, in Rome, the [[dogma]] of the [[Immaculate Conception]] of Mary was being defined. Preparations for the observation of this feast were thus going on at the Oratory. Don Bosco records that, at the advice of his [[Confessor]], Dominic renewed his First Communion promises at the altar of [[Blessed Virgin Mary|Mary]] at the Oratory. John Bosco says that, from this point the result of Dominic's attempts towards holy life were so apparent in his life, that he (John Bosco) took to recording the various incidents that occurred in Savio's life, for future reference.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_VII.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 7-Dominic Comes to the Oratory of St. Francis of Sales. His Manner of Life.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>  

John Bosco's mother, who was called "Mamma Margaret", who had once come to Turin to help her son with the running of the Oratory, remarked to him of Dominic,<ref>Salesians.org.uk: [http://www.salesians.org.uk/dbuk/saints3.html Saint Dominic Savio (1842-1857)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>
:''"You have many good boys, but none can match the good heart and soul of Dominic Savio. I see him so often at prayer, staying in church after the others; every day he slips out of the playground to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. When he is in church he is like an angel living in Paradise."''

====Resolve to become a Saint====
Around six months after Dominic had come to the Oratory, he had the occasion to listen to a talk on  [[Saint]]hood. John Bosco records that the talk had three main points that impressed Dominic:<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 10: His decision to become a saint)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>
:''1. That it is God's will that each one should become a saint.''
:''2. That it is easy to become a saint.'' 
:''3. That there is a great reward waiting in heaven for those who try to become saints.''

This inspired Dominic Savio to take a conscious decision to become a saint. The immediate result of this was that, not being sure how to live a saintly life, and worried about it, he was quiet and worried for the next few days. Noticing this, Don Bosco spoke to him, and, on finding out what was worrying him, advised him to resume his customary cheerfulness, persevere in his regular life of study and religious practices, and especially not neglect being with his companions in games and recreation.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_IX.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 9-Dominic Forms the Resolution of Striving After Perfection.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>  On learning that his [[Dominic|first name]] meant "belonging to God", his desire to be a saint intensified.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 10: His decision to become a saint)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>

====Attempts to do Penances====
In his desire to become a Saint, Dominic Savio attempted to perform physical [[penance]]s, like making his bed uncomfortable with stones and wood, sleeping with a thin covering in winter, wearing a hair shirt, and fasting on bread and water only. When his superiors (i.e., John Bosco, or his Rector, or his Confessor) came to know about these, they forbade him from doing [[Mortification of the flesh|bodily mortification]], as they would affect his health.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 15: Penances)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> John Bosco told Savio that as a schoolboy, the best penance for his station would be to perform all his duties with perfection and humility, and that Obedience was the greatest sacrifice.<ref>TanBooks.com: [http://www.tanbooks.com/doct/dominic_savio.htm From Chapter 3, ''The Saints and Our Children'']; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> Thus, Dominic Savio formed an important aspect of his philosophy of life, which was, in his words, "I can't do big things but I want everything to be for the glory of God."<ref>SalesianVocation.com:[http://www.salesianvocation.com/saviobio.htm Biography of St. Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]].</ref> Don Bosco notes that from that time on, Dominic Savio did not complain about the food or the weather, unlike some other boys at the Oratory,  bore all suffering cheerfully, and practised custody of his eyes and tongue.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 16: Mortification of the senses)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> Eugenio Ceria, a [[Salesian]] commentator on the biography of John Bosco, notes that by this time, owing to his experience as an educator, John Bosco's ideas on several [[Pedagogy|pedagogical]] and spiritual principles were well developed and linked and this led him to associate the fulfillment of daily duties with holiness in his advice to Savio.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/pdf/MOpart2.pdf ''Memoirs of the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales'' by St. John Bosco (Chapter 18, footnote 8)]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]]. </ref>
====The Immaculate Conception Sodality====
[[Image:Bartolomé Esteban Perez Murillo 021.jpg|thumbnail|right|150px|A painting depicting Mary as the [[Immaculate Conception]]. The definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception had a profound effect on the spirituality of Dominic Savio.]]
The definition of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary had an impact on Dominic Savio and he was anxious to create at the school a lasting reminder of this.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XVI.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 16-The Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> Savio now felt that he had not long to live. With the help of his friends, he started a group called the ''[[Sodality]] of Mary Immaculate'', the main aim of which was to be to obtain the special protection of Mary during life and at the time of death. The means Dominic proposed to this end were: (1) to honour, and to bring others to honour, Mary by different means, and (2) to encourage frequent Communion.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 17: The Immaculate Conception Sodality)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> On June 8, nine months before his death, he and his friends read out together before the altar of Mary at the Oratory, the set of rules they had drawn up. There were twenty-one articles (which were recorded by John Bosco in the biography of Savio), ending with an appeal to Mary for her assistance and Intercession. These were submitted to the [[Rector]], and, after careful perusal, he gave his approval, under seven conditions.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 17: The Immaculate Conception Sodality)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> One of the members of this Sodality, Giuseppe Bongioanni,<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 17: The Immaculate Conception Sodality)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> (who was later ordained a secular priest)  was later to found the Sodality of the Blessed Sacrament, which became a traditional Sodality in schools.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XVI.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 16-The Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>   

====Preparation for a holy death====
All the pupils under John Bosco observed a monthly event called ''The Exercise of a Happy Death''. In present times, this practice continues under the name ''The Monthly Day of Recollection''.<ref>DonBoscoWest.org: [http://www.donboscowest.org/saints/savio/savio2.htm#fathers_house Dominic Savio: To the Father's House]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>  This pracitce was encouraged by [[Pope Pius IX]].<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 21: His thoughts about death - His preparation for a holy death)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> Part of this was to make a Confession and Communion as though they were the last one was to make.  John Bosco notes that Dominic observed this practice devoutly. He also notes that one day, Dominic said that he would be the first to die among them.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 21: His thoughts about death - His preparation for a holy death)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> During the month of May, before his death, the intensity of his spiritual practices increased. John Bosco notes that he said, "Let me do what I can this year; if I am here next year I'll let you know what my plans are."<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XX.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 20-Dominic's Ideas About Dying and His Preparation for a Happy Death.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>
====Failing Health====
Dominic's health was steadily deteriorating, but he spent most of his time with his friends, talking with them, and encouraging those who were experiencing troubles of any sort.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 22: His care for the sick – He leaves the Oratory – His words on that occasion)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> He also helped at the school infirmary when his companions were admitted there with some illness. On the recommendation of doctors, Dominic was sent to his home to recover from his ill health. A few days later, John Bosco found him back at the Oratory. In spite of his affection for Dominic, which made him want to keep him with him, John Bosco decided to follow the recommendation of the doctors, especially since Dominic had developed a bad cough<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XXI.html The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 21-Dominic's Interest in the Sick. He had to Leave the Oratory for Change of Air. His Parting Words.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> and he wrote to Dominic's father, fixing the date of his departure on March 1, 1857. Though Dominic said that he wanted to spend his last days at the Oratory, he accepted this decision with his usual obedience. He spent the evening before his departure at John Bosco's side, asking him many doubts on spiritual matters. John Bosco has recorded a part of this conversation in his biography of Dominic Savio.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 22: His care for the sick – He leaves the Oratory – His words on that occasion)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> On the morning of his departure, Don Bosco notes that Savio made the ''Exercise of a Happy Death'' with great devotion, even saying that it would be his final such devotion.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XXI.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 21-Dominic's Interest in the Sick. He had to Leave the Oratory for Change of Air. His Parting Words.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> He said his farewell to John Bosco with solemnity, asking as a keepsake that John Bosco add his name to the list of those who would participate in the plenary Indulgence that John Bosco had received from the Pope, to which John Bosco readily agreed.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 22: His care for the sick – He leaves the Oratory – His words on that occasion)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> Savio then said took leave of his friends with great seriousness, which surprised them, for he had managed to stay out of bed, and his illness was not considered by many of his companions to be serious.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XXI.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 21-Dominic's Interest in the Sick. He had to Leave the Oratory for Change of Air. His Parting Words.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>

===Death===
In his first four days at home, there was nothing seriously wrong with Dominic, except for the decrease in his appetite and a worsening of his cough. This prompted his parents to send him to the doctor, who, at once, ordered bed rest for Dominic.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 24: The progress of his illness – Last confession and Viaticum – Edifying details)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> [[Inflammation]] was diagnosed, and as was the custom in that period, the doctor decided to perform [[bloodletting]]. The doctor cut Dominic's arm ten times in the space of four days. It is now considered that this probably hastened the death of Dominic Savio.<ref>DonBosco.asn.au: [http://www.donbosco.asn.au/auxilium/savio.htm St. Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]]. </ref> In his biography, John Bosco records that Dominic was calm throughout the procedure. The doctor and his parents felt that the danger had passed and now it only remained for him to recuperate. Dominic, however, was sure that his death was approaching, and asked that he be allowed to make his Confession and receive Communion. Though they thought it unnecessary, to please him, his parents sent for the parish priest who heard Dominic's confession and administered [[Viaticum]].<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XXII.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 22-The Progress of his Illness. He Receives the Last Sacraments. Edifying Incidents.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> After four days of his illness at home, in spite of the conviction of the doctor and his parents that he would get better, Dominic asked that he be given the [[Anointing of the Sick|last anointing]]. Again, his parents agreed, to please him. On March 9, he was given the papal blessing and he said the ''Confiteor''. Don Bosco records that throughout these days, he stayed serene and calm.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 25: His final moments and his wonderful death)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> On the evening of March 9, 1857, after being visited by his parish priest(who, on Dominic's request for some parting thought, suggested he meditate on the [[Passion (Christianity)|Passion]]), he asked his father to read him the prayers for the ''Exercise of a Happy Death'' from his book of devotions. Then he slept awhile, and shortly awakened and said in a clear voice, 
:''"Goodbye, Dad, goodbye . . . what was it the parish priest suggested to me ... I don't seem to remember . . . Oh, what wonderful things I see ...".''<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 25: His final moments and his wonderful death)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>
With these words, Dominic Savio died, though, at first, it appeared to his father that he was asleep.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 26: Announcing his death - Fr Picco's words to the students)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>
[[Image:NonFreeImageRemoved.svg|thumbnail|left|150px|[[Pope Pius XI]], who described Dominic Savio as "small in size, but a towering giant in spirit." ]]
==Notable Incidents in the life of Dominic Savio==
In order to give the reader a well rounded picture of Dominic's personality Don Bosco has recorded several incidents from Dominic's life in his biographical account.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 8: He comes to the Oratory of St Francis de Sales – His lifestyle at the beginning)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>  Many of these incidents find frequent mention in accounts of Dominic's life.
===Before he joined the Oratory===
====At the School at Mondonio====
John Bosco records this incident from the testimony of Fr Giuseppe Cugliero.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 6: School at Mondonio- He puts up with a great injustice)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> One day, in the absence of his teacher, two of Dominic's classmates stuffed the room-heating iron stove with snow and garbage, as a prank. Fearing expulsion, they blamed Dominic. Fr. Cugliero soundly berated Dominic in front of the class. Dominic bore this silently.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_V.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 5-Dominic's School-Life at Mondonio. His Conduct Under a Calumnious Charge.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>  The following day, the true culprits were discovered. On being asked why he had remained silent, Dominic replied that he had thought that he would be let off with a scolding as it would have been his perceived first offence, whereas, the other boys would have been expelled. He also added that Jesus had remained silent when blamed unjustly and that he was trying to imitate him.<ref>DonBosco.asn.au: [http://www.donbosco.asn.au/auxilium/savio.htm St. Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]]. </ref> Mary Reed Newland, in her book, suggests that, since Dominic was yet to meet John Bosco at this time, this incident is indicative of the upbringing his parents had given him.<ref>Library.Catholic.org: [http://library.catholic.org/family/family109.txt ''The Saints and Our Children-Chapter 3: Dominic Savio:The Schoolboy Saint'' by Mary Reed Newland]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]]. </ref>

====First meeting with Don Bosco====
The first time John Bosco met Dominic Savio, to test his intelligence, he gave him a copy of ''The Catholic Readings'' (which were phamplets on the subject of Catholic [[Apologetics]], written by John Bosco<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/pdf/BOSCO-3.pdf I WAS DON BOSCO'S CONFESSOR-Sworn testimony of Fr Giovanni Giacomelli]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>), asking him to recite a particular by heart and explain its meaning the next day, and then spoke for a while with Dominic's father. Ten minutes later, he found Dominic again beside him, whereupon he recited the page and explained its meaning satisfactorily.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 7: The first time I got to know him. Some curious moments in our meeting)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>

===At the Oratory===
Dominic Savio's spiritual growth progressed under the guidance of Don Bosco. Clifford Stevens says in his biography on Dominic Savio,<ref>EWTN.com: [http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/SAVIO.htm St. Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> 
:''"In other circumstances, Dominic might have become a little self-righteous snob, but Don Bosco showed him the heroism of the ordinary and the sanctity of common sense."'' 
====Resolves a Conflict====
At the Oratory, two of his friends had a disagreement and decided to fight each other with stones. They being older and stronger than Dominic ( his hard work and intelligence had caused him to be promoted from the first form to the second form<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 9: Study of Latin – Curious incidents – School – He prevents a fight – He avoids danger)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> ), physically intervening was not possible. He tried to reason them out of it, but with no positive result. Thus, on the day of the fight, he went with them, and just before they could start, he placed himself between them, and holding up his [[crucifix]], requested that they throw their first stones at him. Ashamed, the two boys gave up their fight. Savio then spoke to them and persuaded them to go to Confession.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_VIII.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 8-His Studies at the Oratory. His Conduct at School. His Dealings with Quarrels and Special Dangers.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>

====Control of the Eyes====
John Bosco records that once a boy from outside, who was visiting, had brought with him a "magazine with bad pictures in it",<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 16: Mortification of the senses)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]],[[2006]].</ref> and a group of fascinated boys were looking at it. On finding out, Dominic snatched the magazine and tore it up, saying, "....You know well enough that one look is enough to stain your souls, and yet you go feasting your eyes on this."<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 16: Mortification of the senses)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]],[[2006]].</ref>
====Influence over his friends====
John Bosco records that Dominic spent a lot of time with his friends, encouraging them in their devotions, discouraging some of his friends from their habit of [[swearing]],<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_X.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 10-Zeal for the Salvation of Souls.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> and teaching Catechism at Sunday School.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 11: His zeal for the good of souls)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> He also records that he would encourage his friends to make frequent Confessions and  take Communion regularly.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 12: Various episodes and his way of speaking with his friends)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> In his biography of Dominic Savio, John Bosco makes particular mention of two of Dominic's friends, Camillo Gavio of Tortona,<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XVII.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 17-Dominic's Intimate Associates.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> and John Massaglia of Marmorito.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 19: His relationship with young John Massaglia)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> (these two friends were dead by the time John Bosco wrote the biography, and he thought it best not to write about the friends of Dominic who were still alive.) They both died before they could become priests.

====Devotions practised by Dominic Savio====
Don Bosco narrates that before he came to the Oratory Dominic made his Confession and took Communion once a month.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 14: He goes frequently to Confession and Communion)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> After hearing a homily on the [[Sacrament]]s, he chose a priest as his regular Confessor, (to whom Dominic made his Confessions till the end of his stay at the Oratory<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XIII.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 13-His Frequentation and Devout Reception of the Sacraments.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> ) The regularity with which Dominic approached the Sacraments increased and, at the end of that year, as per the advice of his Confessor, Dominic was taking Communion daily.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 14: He goes frequently to Confession and Communion)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> He had a special intention for the Eucharist each day of the week.  John Bosco notes that, whenever permitted, Dominic eagerly accompanied the priest when he took the [[Viaticum]], and that he also had the habit of kneeling down in the street if he encountered the Eucharist being carried by a priest.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XIII.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 13-His Frequentation and Devout Reception of the Sacraments.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> 

===Incidents with special Spiritual Significance===
===="Distractions"====
John Bosco records that Dominic occasionally had [[Religious ecstasy|intense experiences]] during prayer, which he (Savio) described as such:"It is silly of me; I get a distraction and lose the thread of my prayers and then I see such wonderful things that the hours pass by like minutes”.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 20: Special graces and particular deeds)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> On one occasion, he was missing from breakfast till two in the afternoon. The Rector finally found him in the chapel, standing motionless and gazing at the tabernacle. He was not aware that the morning Mass had ended.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XIX.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 19-Special Graces Granted to Dominic. Some Particular Incidents.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> On another occasion, John Bosco records that he saw Dominic in the Chapel, speaking to God, and then waiting, as though listening to a reply.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 20: Special graces and particular deeds)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>
[[Image:Popepiusix.jpg|thumbnail|right|150px|[[Pope Pius IX]], who formally defined the dogma of the [[Immaculate Conception]], and who figured in a [[Vision (religion)|vision]] that occurred to Dominic Savio.]]
====Special Knowledge====
John Bosco narrates how Dominic came to his room one day and urged him to accompany him. He led John Bosco through many streets to a block of flats, rang the doorbell, and at once, went away. When the door opened, John Bosco found that within, there was a dying man who was desperately asking for a priest to make his last [[confession]].<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XIX.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 19-Special Graces Granted to Dominic. Some Particular Incidents.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> After he had heard the man's confession, the priest of that parish came and administered the [[last rites]]. Later, John Bosco asked Dominic how he had known about that man. However, since the question made Dominic uncomfortable, John Bosco did not press the matter.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 20: Special graces and particular deeds)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>

====The Vision of England====
John Bosco records that Dominic once recounted to him a [[Vision (religion)|vision]] he had:<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio (Chapter 20: Special graces and particular deeds)]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>

:''"... . One morning as I was making my thanksgiving after Communion, a very strong distraction took hold of me. I thought I saw a great plain full of people enveloped in thick fog. They were walking about like people who had lost their way and did not know which way to turn. Someone near me said: 'This is [[England]]'. I was just going to ask some questions, when I saw [[Pope Pius IX]] just like I have seen him in pictures. He was robed magnificently and carried in his hand a torch alive with flames. As he walked slowly towards that immense gathering of people, the leaping flames from the torch dispelled the fog, and the people stood in the splendour of the noonday sun. 'That torch', said the one beside me, 'is the Catholic Faith, which is going to light up England'".''
At his last farewell, Dominic requested John Bosco to tell the pope of his vision, which he did in 1858. The Pope felt that this confirmed the plans he had already made concerning England.<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XIX.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 19-Special Graces Granted to Dominic. Some Particular Incidents.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>

====His mother's pregnancy====
On September 12, 1856, Dominic asked John Bosco permission to go home, saying that his mother was ill, though he had received no communication from home. Dominic's mother was then expecting a baby and was in great pain.<ref>SalesianSisters.org: [http://www.salesiansisters.org.au/saints6.html Salesian Saints: St. Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> When Dominic reached the house, he hugged and kissed his mother, and then left. His mother felt her pain leave her and Dominic's baby sister, Catherine was born.<ref>DonBoscoWest.org: [http://www.donboscowest.org/saints/savio/savio2.htm St. Dominic Savio: Extraordinary Gifts]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> The women assisting at the birth found that Dominic had left a green [[scapular]] around his mother's neck. His sister Theresa later wore this same scapular when she was in labour. She testified that it had been passed around to several pregnant women and was later lost.<ref>DonBoscoWest.org: [http://www.donboscowest.org/saints/savio/savio2.htm St. Dominic Savio: Extraordinary Gifts]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> 
[[Image:NonFreeImageRemoved.svg|thumbnail|left|150px|Don Bosco's biography of Dominic Savio contributed to his canonisation.]]
====[[Vision (religion)|Vision]] of his father====
The veneration of Dominic Savio grew with an event narrated by Dominic's father:<ref>TraditionalCatholic.net: [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/Chapter_XXV.html  The Life of Dominic Savio: Chapter 25-The Influence of Dominic's Virtues. Favours Received. A Recommendation.]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>
:''"I was is the greatest affliction at the loss of my son, and was consumed by a desire to know what was his position in the other world. God deigned to comfort me. About a month after his death, during a very restless night, I saw, as it were, the ceiling opened, and Dominic appeared in the midst of dazzling light. I was beside myself at this sight, and cried out: "O Dominic, my son, are you already in Paradise?" "Yes," he replied, "I am in Heaven." Then pray for your brothers and sisters, and your mother and father, that we may all come to join you one day is Heaven." "Yes, yes, I will pray," was the answer. "Then he disappeared, and the room became as before."''

==''The Life of Dominic Savio''==
Soon after the death of Dominic, John Bosco wrote his biography, ''The Life of Dominic Savio'', which contributed to his canonisation.<ref>SaintPatrickDC.org:[http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/0309.htm Saints of the Day] at the website of the Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Washington, D.C.; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]]. </ref> The original Italian edition was considered so well written during the time of Don Bosco, that, along with his ''History of Italy'' and  ''Ecclesiastical History'', it was used in many public schools as part of the Course materials on the Italian Language.<ref>OLRL.org: [http://olrl.org/books/savio.shtml ''The Life of St. Dominic Savio'' by St. John Bosco]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]].</ref> Among his other writings, Don Bosco also wrote biographies of  St. Joseph Cafasso<ref>CatholicTradition.org: [http://www.catholictradition.org/Tradition/preparation.htm Excerpts taken from the book, ''St. Joseph Cafasso'',  by St. John Bosco]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref> ''The Life of Francis Besucco'', and ''The Life of Michael Magone''.<ref>BoscoNet.aust.com: [http://www.bosconet.aust.com/Salesianity/3livesfinal.zip Don Bosco's Three Lives: The Life of Dominic Savio, The Life of Francis Besucco, The Life of Michael Magone]; Retrieved on [[November 24]], [[2006]].</ref>

==Sainthood==
Though some were of an opinion that Savio was too young to be canonised, [[Pope Pius X]] insisted that the opposite was true and started the [[Historical process of beatification and canonization|process of his canonisation]].<ref>AmericanCatholic.org: [http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1318 Saint of the day: St.Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]].</ref> Dominic Savio was declared [[Venerable]] in [[1933]] by [[Pope Pius XI]], was [[Beatification|beatified]] in [[1950]] by [[Pope Pius XII]], and declared a [[saint]] in [[1954]] .<ref>SalesianVocation.com:[http://www.salesianvocation.com/saviobio.htm Biography of St.Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]].</ref>  Pope Pius XI described him as "small in size, but a towering giant in spirit."<ref>Salesians.org.uk: [http://www.salesians.org.uk/dbuk/saints3.html Saint Dominic Savio (1842-1857)]; Retrieved on [[24 November]], [[2006]].</ref>

==Notes==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;"> 
<references /></div>

==References==
{{cite book
  | last = Stevens
  | first = Clifford
<!--  | authorlink = Clifford Stevens - should only be used if article already exists-->
  | date = 1989
  | title = The One Year Book of Saints
  | publisher = Our Sunday Visitor, Publishing Division
  | location = Huntington, IN
  | id = {{ISBN|0879734175}}
}}

==External links==
===Biographies===
====Electronic (on-line) Editions====
*[http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Information/Saint/John_Bosco/The_Life_of_Dominic_Savio/index.html ''The Life of Dominic Savio'' by St. John Bosco] available freely on-line at the [http://www.traditionalcatholic.net/ TraditionalCatholic.net] website.
*[http://www.donboscowest.org/saints/savio/savio_frameset.htm ''Saint Dominic Savio'', Adapted from ''A Brief Life of St. Dominic Savio'' By Paul J. Pascucci, S.D.B.] available freely on-line at the website of the Salesians of the San Francisco Province, [http://www.donboscowest.org/ DonBoscoWest.org].
====Books====
*[http://www.amazon.com/Life-Saint-Dominic-Savio/dp/0899443753 ''The Life of Dominic Savio'' by St. John Bosco at Amazon.com]
===Reflections on his life===
*[http://library.catholic.org/family/family109.txt ''Dominic Savio: Schoolboy Saint''- Chapter 3 of ''The Saints and Our Children'' by Mary Reed Newland] available freely on-line at the [http://library.catholic.org/risearch/search.php library section of the Catholic Online] website.
===Devotions===
*[http://www.2heartsnetwork.org/Savio.htm Prayers to St. Dominic Savio] on the [http://www.2heartsnetwork.org/ 2 Hearts Network, Inc.] website.
*[http://www.ourroserosary.com/Savio.htm A Chaplet in Honor of St. Dominic Savio, Patron Saint of Young Boys] on the [http://www.ourroserosary.com/ Our Rose Rosary] website.
===Resources===
*[http://www.sdb.org/ENG/Pagine/_2_12_17_3_.htm?Sez=12&Sotsez=17&DetSotSez=3 The multimedia resource page on St. Dominic Savio at the website of the Salesians of Don Bosco ].

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[[es:Domingo Savio]]
[[it:San Domenico Savio]]
[[pt:São Domingos Sávio]]