Io vado in paradiso

I must have been in fourth grade when, thanks to Sister Mary Clara’s school library, I discovered The Life of Saint Dominic Savio by Saint John Bosco: “the life of a saint by a saint.” I read the book over and over again. Like many small boys in Catholic schools, I wanted to be like Saint Dominic Savio. . . but I wasn’t! My cousin Barbara S. teaches in a Salesian school in San Francisco. I am sure that she will be celebrating Saint Dominic Savio with her students. I don’t know that Barbara reads this blog, but her sister Mary does!

In the end, what most impressed me and has stayed with me lo, all these years was Dominic Savio’s ardent love for the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the Most Holy Eucharist. On March 9, 1857, fifteen year old Domenico, stricken with cholera, died in the arms of his parents. To his mother, he said, “Mamma, non piangere, io vado in Paradiso — Mamma, don’t cry, I am going to Paradise”.

O God, wellspring of all good,
who, in Saint Dominic Savio, hast given adolescents
an admirable example of charity and of purity
grant that we also, may grow up as Thy sons in joy and in love
even unto the full stature of Thy Christ.
Who is God, living and reigning with Thee,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
forever and ever.

By what doth a young man correct his way?
by observing thy words.
With my whole heart have I sought after thee:
let me not stray from thy commandments.
Thy words have I hidden in my heart,
that I may not sin against thee.
(Psalm 118:9–11)