Here comes another Dominic Savio…and another…

-         Bernard Fernandes

Dominic Savio, the little angel saint in the Oratory of Don Bosco, is remembered the world over on 6^th May.  However, in India, this feast is celebrated on 6^th July, to give an opportunity to our school going students to get to know and imitate their role model a little better.  Dominic Savio was not a born saint. He was a young boy like any youngster with dreams and aspirations, with his strengths and shortcomings.  It is said that he was overenthusiastic about his sanctity – at times he would give in to self-flagellation. At such moments Don Bosco would intervene through a word in the ear: “Dominic, remember ordinary things in an extraordinary way!”  And Dominic Savio did not disappoint Don Bosco.  He embraced sanctity with alacrity. He began to enjoy life to the full – he played, prayed, loved, forgave. He stood up to his beliefs – did not mind the blows and insults, if that meant bringing a struggling soul closer to God.  He eschewed violence and negativity, and prevented others from doing so. Very soon, he was taking giant strides towards holiness.  However, God thought otherwise.  He called Dominc Savio to himself at a tender age of fourteen; not before Dominic had exerted a tremendous influence over his companions and friends through his sanctity and cheerfulness.

Dominic Savio died in 1857, and 155 years later, his legacy lives on.  He lives on in the youngsters who are resolute in their commitments, in the young who show a heart to be kind, generous and forgiving, in trailblazers who wish to make a difference, and in young minds desirous of knowledge of God and His works.

A few recent happenings to substantiate this:  Young Dinesh Gowda from Nalasopara fought taunts to pass SSC with distinction (TOI, dated 24^th June 2012). He lost his father at six and mother at 11.  His elder sister eloped, leaving him to fend for himself. No relatives cared to take responsibility for him. He stayed with a benefactor ‘uncle’. While the school of Infant Jesus took care of his fees, uniform and other expenses, the teachers chipped in with food. Dinesh did not let his benefactors down and (without any coaching classes) topped his school this year with 93%! He goes on to say, “Hurdles have only made my resolve to study stronger and I will be successful one day.”

Pinky Karmakar, 17, a young class X girl from Assam, helps run a Unicef sports programme in her school, besides teaching adults, including her mother who works as a tea plucker. (TOI, 24^th June 2012).  After her classes, she speaks to parents about the importance of fitness for children’s development.  She was selected to represent India at the Olympic torch relay in London on 28^th June. She hopes her London visit will help garner support to restart a night school which shut down a decade ago.

It was a wet rainy day on 4^th July. Our school children were enjoying their short recess – the rains had kept them indoors. Every nook and corner of the school building was utilized for play and recreation.  One of our physically handicapped students – we have a couple of them – from Std. VI, Vikas,  was edging his way back to the class room on the slippery corridor.  Vikas’ young classmate who was enjoying his moments of play and fun, on noticing Vikas, stopped in his tracks, held him by his hand, and gently escorted Vikas to his classroom.  Now that is concern and sensitivity. I was touched.  After all, it takes small acts from us to be noble and gentle. 

As he lay dying, Dominic Savio’s last words to his father were: “Good bye, Dad, good bye….Oh what wonderful things I see!” A life well lived surely merits ‘wonderful’ things from God.  Is this gift not ours for the asking?