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==புனிதர் பட்டம்==
சாவியோவின் [[புனிதர் பட்டமளிப்பு|புனிதர் பட்டத்திற்கான]] நடவடிக்கைகளைத் தொடன்கிவைத்த [[திருத்தந்தை]] [[பத்தாம் பயஸ் (திருத்தந்தை)|10ம் பயஸ்]],<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> “தோமினிக் என்னும் இளைஞர், திருமுழுக்கில் பெற்ற புனிதத்தைப் பழுதின்றி காப்பாற்றிக் கொண்டவர்" என்று இவரைப் புகழ்கின்றார்.
1933ல் இவருக்கு [[வணக்கத்திற்குரியவர்]] பட்டம் வழங்கிய [[திருத்தந்தை]] [[பதினோராம் பயஸ் (திருத்தந்தை)|11ம் பயஸ்]], “தூய்மை, பக்தி, ஆன்மீகத் தாகம் ஆகியவற்றின் ஆற்றலால் சாவியோவின் கிறிஸ்தவ வாழ்வு நமக்கு முன்மாதிரியாக உள்ளது” என்று கூறுகிறார்.
1954 ஜூன் 12ந்தேதி, [[திருத்தந்தை]] [[பன்னிரண்டாம் பயஸ் (திருத்தந்தை)|12ம் பயஸ்]], தோமினிக் சாவியோவுக்கு 1950 மார்ச் 5ந்தேதி [[புனிதர்அருளாளர் பட்டமளிப்புபட்டம்|புனிதர்அருளாளர் பட்டம்பட்டமும்]], 1954 ஜூன் 12ந்தேதி [[புனிதர்]] பட்டமும்<ref>Catholic-forum.org: [http://www.catholic-forum.com/SAINTS/saintd05.htm Dominic Savio]; Retrieved on 24 November 2006.</ref> வழங்கி உரை நிகழ்த்திய போது, “இளைஞர்கள் சாவியோவின் வழிகளைப் பின்பற்ற வேண்டும். தீய சக்திகளின் தாக்கங்களைப் புறக்கணித்து, தூய்மையில் நிலைத்து நின்ற சாவியோவின் புனித வாழ்க்கை இளைஞர்களுக்கு சிறந்த எடுத்துக்காட்டு” என்று கூறினார்.
====At the village school====
Fr. Giovanni Zucca from Moriondo, who was then the chaplain at Murialdo when Dominic was five years old,<ref name="ReferenceA">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 due to his regular church attendance with his mother, and his habit of kneeling down outside the church to pray (even in the mud or snow) if he happened to come to Church before it had been unlocked in the morning. 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 name="ReferenceA"/> At the age of five, he learned to [[Altar server|serve Mass]], and would try to participate at Mass every day as well as go regularly to [[Confession]]. 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>
====First Communion====
At that time, it was customary for children to receive 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 [[Pope Pius X#Liturgical changes|lower this age to seven]])<ref>30Giorni.it: [http://www.30giorni.it/us/articolo.asp?id=7874 First Communion at seven years old and before...]; Retrieved on November 24, 2006.</ref><ref>Consideringpiusx.com: [http://www.consideringpiusx.com/BioPiusX.htm Biography of Pope Saint Pius X: Eucharist and Liturgy]; Retrieved on November 24, 2006.</ref> After initial hesitation, and subsequent consultation with other priests, the parish priest agreed to permit Dominic to receive his First Communion at the age of seven, since he knew the catechism and understood something of the Eucharist.<ref name="BoscoNet 2006">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 name="traditionalcatholic.net">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> asking 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'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 name="BoscoNet 2006"/>
John Bosco records that on the day of his First Communion, Dominic made some promises 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 name="traditionalcatholic.net"/>
:''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====
Dominic had to go to another school and it was decided that he would go to the County School at [[Castelnuovo Don Bosco|Castelnuovo]], three miles (5 km) from his home.<ref name="ReferenceB">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 John 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 was Bosco's mentor and advisor.<ref name="catholictradition.org">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 daily to and from school. In his biography of Dominic Savio, John Bosco records how a local farmer once asked Dominic, 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 name="TraditionalCatholic 2006">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 Dominic considered that in such a situation, it would be "also easy to offend God",<ref name="ReferenceB"/> he believed that on a previous occasion his friends behaved 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> In his biography Bosco records that Fr. Allora, the head of this school, had this to say about Dominic: "...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 name="TraditionalCatholic 2006"/>
===Under Don Bosco's mentorship===
====Meeting with John Bosco====
[[File:Donbosco furbo.jpg|thumbnail|left|150px|St. John Bosco (Don Bosco), the spiritual mentor of St. Dominic Savio.]]
It was Fr. Giuseppe Cugliero,<ref name="ReferenceB"/> Dominic's teacher at school, who gave a high account of him to John Bosco and recommended that Bosco meet him during the [[Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary|Feast of the Rosary]], when he would take his boys to [[Murialdo]]. Accordingly, accompanied by his father, Dominic met John Bosco on the first Monday in the month of October, John Bosco records this conversation in some detail. He notes that Dominic was eager to go to Turin with John Bosco, and that he wished to become a [[Priest#Roman Catholic and Orthodox|priest]] after completing his studies in that town.<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 their relationship, the result of which was that John Bosco agreed to take Dominic to [[Turin]] with him.<ref name="ReferenceC"/>
====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 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 worked diligently and followed the school rules. He would happily listen to talks and [[Homily|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> 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, that he (John Bosco) took to recording the various incidents that occurred 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" 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. 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 John 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 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, John Bosco spoke to Dominic and 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 John 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 attempted to perform physical [[penance]]s, like making his bed uncomfortable with small stones and pieces of wood, sleeping with a thin covering in winter, wearing a [[Cilice|hair shirt]], and fasting on bread and water. When his superiors (i.e., John Bosco, or his Rector, or his confessor) came to know this, they forbade him from doing [[Mortification of the flesh|bodily mortification]], as it 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 Dominic that as a schoolboy, the best penance 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 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 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 autobiography of John Bosco, (''Memoirs of the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales'') 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====
[[File: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 and he was anxious to create at the school a lasting reminder of this event.<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> He now felt that he had not long to live. With the help of his friends, he started a group called the ''[[Sodality (Catholic Church)|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, 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 his biography), ending with an appeal to Mary for her assistance. These were submitted to the [[rector]], and, after careful perusal, he gave his approval, under certain 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 priest) was later to found the ''Sodality of the Blessed Sacrament'', which became a traditional sodality in Catholic 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''; this practice continues under the name ''The Monthly Day of Recollection''.<ref>Donbosco<est.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 practice 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 ones to be made before death. Bosco notes that Dominic observed this practice devoutly, and that one day, Dominic said that he would be the first amongst the group to die.<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.<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 whenever his companions were admitted. On the recommendation of doctors, Dominic was sent home to recover from his ill health, but a few days later Bosco found him back at the Oratory. In spite of his affection for Dominic, and his wish to allow Dominic to remain at the Oratory, John Bosco decided to follow the recommendation of the doctors, especially since Dominic had developed a severe 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 and spent the evening before his departure at John Bosco's side, discussing spiritual matters. (Bosco recorded a part of this conversation in his biography of Dominic).<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 Dominic made the ''Exercise of a Happy Death'' with great zeal, even saying that this 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, asking as a keepsake that Bosco add his name to the list of those who would participate in the [[Indulgence#The Indulgence|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> He then said took leave of his friends with great affection, which surprised them, for 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 his appetite decreased and his cough worsened; this prompted his parents to send him to the doctor, who, at once, ordered bed rest.<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 at that time, the doctor decided to perform [[bloodletting]]. The doctor cut Dominic's arm ten times in the space of four days and it is now considered that this probably hastened his death.<ref name="St. Dominic Savio">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 assured his parents 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, his parents sent for the [[Parish#Roman Catholic Church|parish priest]] who heard Dominic's confession and administered the [[Eucharist]].<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, 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]] in preparation for death. 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, he asked his father to read him the prayers for the ''Exercise of a Happy Death'' from his book of devotions. Then he slept a while, 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 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>
Dominic's father wrote in a letter to John Bosco, conveying the news of the death of his son,
:''"With my heart full of grief I send you this sad news. Dominic, my dear son and your child in God, like a white lily, like [[Aloysius Gonzaga]], gave his soul to God on March 9th after having received with the greatest devotion the Last Sacraments and the Papal Blessing."
==Notable incidents in the life of Dominic Savio==
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