St. Dominic Savio.

He was born near Turin in 1842, died in 1857 and was canonised in 1954.  Before and immediately after his canonisation he was presented as a role model for the young, especially for boys, but his influence seems to be fading perhaps in the search for more rumbustious models.  Born to very poor parents, he entered St. John Bosco’s famous Salesian school in Turin at the age of 12.  He was clearly possessed by a particular gift of the Spirit.  One says that he was ‘pious’ aware that this word conjures up all sorts of dreaded overtones.   In fact the wise influence of St. John Bosco preventing him ever being anything like a religious version of Little Lord Fauntleroy.  He was noted for his cheerfulness, friendliness, fidelity to prayer, and reliability as a guide and counsellor – despite his years – to whom others could turn.  Like the other remarkable holy young man of Turin, Blessed Piergiorgio Frassati – lover of mountain climbing and fast cars – he showed that one can be young and holy without being invertebrate.  He died of tuberculosis in his 14th year.