Patron Saint – St. Dominic Savio
Saint Dominic Savio was known for his exceptional piety, devotion to God, youthful spirit, and sincere love for those around him.
Saint Dominic Savio was born on April 2, 1842, in Riva, Italy. He grew up in a poor and devout Catholic family.
He attended the Oratory School in Turin, Italy, founded by Saint John Bosco.
The four resolutions of a young Saint Dominic Savio:
I will go to Confession and 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, and Death, but not sin.
He was deeply devoted to the Eucharist and spent many hours praying before the Blessed Sacrament. He encouraged his friends to receive Holy Communion frequently.
He is often considered a role model for young people.
Saint Dominic deeply loved the Blessed Virgin Mary and encouraged his friends to pray the Rosary regularly.
Saint John Bosco recognized his holiness and spiritual maturity at a young age. He went on to write a biography of Saint Dominic Savio.
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.
He suffered from tuberculosis and died at age 14. He received the last sacraments and died peacefully in the arms of Saint John Bosco.
Patron Saint – Apostle of Ceylon
Blessed Joseph Vaz (21 April 1651, Benaulim – 16 January 1711, Kandy) was a Catholic Oratorian priest from Goa. He is known as the Apostle of Ceylon
Fr. Vaz entered Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) during the Dutch occupation, when Calvinism was the official religion. He traveled throughout the island bringing the Eucharist and the sacraments to clandestine groups of Catholics. Later in his mission, he found shelter in the Kandyan kingdom where he was able to work freely. At the time of his death, Fr. Vaz managed to rebuild the Catholic church on the island. On 21 January 1995, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Colombo.