A young student of St John Bosco, St Dominic Savio died in 1857 at the age of 14 while studying to become a priest.  The “heroic virtue” he displayed in his short life contributed to his becoming the youngest ever non-martyr to be canonised in the Catholic Church. From the age of four, he was frequently observed in silent prayer, later referring to these periods as his “distractions”.

At 12, when he joined “Don” Bosco’s school, his mentor taught him the heroism of the ordinary and the sanctity of common sense. “Religion must be about us as the air we breathe” said John Bosco, “and Dominic Savio wore holiness like the clothes on his back.”  He was once falsely accused of a malicious prank, but refused to tell on the real culprits; Dominic later explained that he was imitating our Lord, who remained silent during his persecutions and crucifixion.  

Dominic Savio was canonised by Pope Pius X11 in 1954, and his feast day is 9 March. He is the patron saint of choirboys and the falsely accused.