Savio House Retreat Centre is placed under the patronage of St Dominic Savio - but who is Dominic Savio and why did we choose him as our patron saint?

In April 1855 Don Bosco spoke to his boys about becoming a saint. It may have had little effect on most who heard his words but for Dominic Savio it was life changing. About two months later John Bosco suggested to the boys that if they sent him a note asking for anything he would do his best to get it for them. As many young people asked for the nineteenth century equivalent of a Playstation and enough sweets to keep them going for a year, Dominic wrote simply:

'Help me become a saint'

Don Bosco gave him three things by doing which he, a schoolboy, could become holy

1. Be always cheerful - no matter what happens or what goes wrong try and remain cheerful and filled with optimism
2. Do all that you are asked to do - at school, at home and elsewhere - with perfect obedience
3. Do good for others - even if this means some personal loss

Dominic took this advice to heart and lived it for the rest of his life.

Dominic Savio was born in Italy in 1842. When, as a twelve year old, he first met Don Bosco the priest was amazed. Although he had already worked with many young people Dominic's candour and intellegence Don Bosco thought extrordinary.

Dominic Savio very soon came to Turin to the Oratory of St Francis de Sales to be schooled by Don Bosco. From the very first day he was a model pupil. He was popular with his classmates and was a leader in the playground - always using his influence to help his friends do good. He was a dedicated student and excelled in his studies while using his talents to help those who struggled. He was always ready to befriend any new face at the oratory and help them to feel at home and he was quick to thank God for all of his blessings through prayer.

Dominic once remarked to a new pupil who was amazed at the spirit of the oratory that:

'Here we make holiness consist in being happy'

Dominic Savio died shortly before his fifteenth birthday. Don Bosco was quick to write a 'life' of Dominic as he felt that here was a boy, a peer, who they could be inspired by and try to imitate in his approach to holiness.

In 1954, just two years after the Salesians moved in to Bollington, Dominic Savio was declared a saint and was soon after chosen as the patron of the new retreat centre that the Salesians decided to open in Bollington.

Here was a young person who lived life to the full; in the playground, in the home, in the chapel and in the classroom; and who through his cheerfulness and generousity found a new way to holiness. An ideal patron of Savio House as we seek to inspire young people to the fullness of life that Christ offers.