ST. DOMINIC SAVIO-OUR PATRON
As a pupil of Saint John Bosco, Saint Dominic Savio attained a remarkable degree of sanctity, which he lived with deep joy, nourished by a strong Sacramental life and Marian devotion. He stands as one of the finest fruits of Don Bosco’s Preventive System of Education and remains an admirable model of purity, holiness of life, and apostolic charity, especially for the young.
Saint Dominic Savio was born on 2nd April 1842 at Riva di Chieri, Italy, into a poor but deeply religious family. From his early childhood, he showed an extraordinary sense of responsibility and a constant effort to faithfully fulfil his daily duties. A decisive turning point in his life came at the age of thirteen when he met Saint John Bosco. Under Don Bosco’s guidance, Dominic was introduced to a deeper spiritual life, combining prayer, study, and cheerful service to others. He became a true friend to all his companions and was particularly sensitive to Don Bosco’s missionary motto, “Give me souls; take away the rest.” Inspired by this ideal, Dominic ardently desired to help save the souls of his fellow students.
To this end, he founded the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception, which later provided Don Bosco with some of his most dedicated collaborators. Through this initiative, Dominic Savio demonstrated that holiness is attainable even at a young age through ordinary duties lived with extraordinary love.
In order to inculcate and perpetuate the values lived and taught by Saint Dominic Savio, the Primary School under his patronage was established in 1972. The institution was progressively upgraded to a Middle English School in 1977, to a High School in 1992, and finally to a Higher Secondary School in 2004. Since then, the school has grown from strength to strength, committed to the holistic formation of young people in academic excellence, moral integrity, and spiritual values, in the true spirit of Don Bosco and Saint Dominic Savio.
Our Father Don Bosco
St. John Bosco, popularly known as Don Bosco was born in Turin, Italy in 1815. At the age of two his father died. John, who would become the father and teacher of youth, was fatherless at his tender age. Although poor, he was brought up in a devout Catholic family and was deeply interested in studies, always aspiring to become a priest.
With indomitable courage, God’s help, and the loving care of his brave mother, Mamma Margaret, John grew up despite the hardships of life. He worked part-time as a farm hand, waiter, tailor, cobbler, blacksmith to earn money to complete his schooling.
He was ordained priest in 1841 and from then dedicated himself to the selfless service of youth, particularly the poor and abandoned. He gathered them into ‘oratories’ places where these young people could play, work, study, and experience a family-like atmosphere of love. In 1859, he founded the Salesians of Don Bosco to ensure continuity of his nobble work. He died in 1888 and was declared a saint in 1934.
Our Father Don Bosco
St. John Bosco, popularly known as Don Bosco was born in Turin, Italy in 1815. At the age of two his father died. John, who would become the father and teacher of youth, was fatherless at his tender age. Although poor, he was brought up in a devout Catholic family and was deeply interested in studies, always aspiring to become a priest.
With indomitable courage, God's help, and the loving care of his brave mother, Mamma Margaret, John grew up despite the hardships of life. He worked part-time as a farm hand, waiter, tailor, cobbler, blacksmith to earn money to complete his schooling.
He was ordained priest in 1841 and from then dedicated himself to the selfless service of youth, particularly the poor and abandoned. He gathered them into „oratories‟ places where these young people could play, work, study, and experience a family-like atmosphere of love. In 1859, he founded the Salesians of Don Bosco to ensure continuity of his nobble work. He died in 1888 and was declared a saint in 1934.
The Don Bosco Organization
The Don Bosco Educational Society is now present in over 130 countries, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China and Myanmar. In India the Don Bosco Fathers and Brothers run a vast number of schools, colleges, technical and vocational training institutes. Additionally, they also provide education and shelter to orphans, street children in cities.
Our System of Education
Don Bosco has left us a rich educational legacy. He advocated Reason, Religion and Loving-kindness as the pillars of his educational system. He believed that educators should reason with the students, explaining the rationale behind every activity. He also knew God and religion are essential to a holistic education and education would be hollow without them.
With loving kindness, the educators make the children feel loved and cared for. Their continuous presence helps prevent any occasion for wrongdoing. Don Bosco emphasized “prevention over repression and punishment,” and thus, his system of education is known as the “Preventive System‟.