Every year on 6 May, new recruits to the Pontifical Swiss Guard swear their oath in the Vatican. Each one raises three fingers, for the Trinity, and promises to serve the pope faithfully, “even, if necessary, to sacrifice my life.” It’s a day about loyalty and courage, and it’s also the day the Salesians celebrate St Dominic Savio, a student of St John Bosco, who died in 1857 at fourteen and is a patron of young people.
Historical Context
Dominic Savio’s motto, written when he was seven and preparing for his first Communion, was “Death rather than sin.” He wasn’t grim; John Bosco described a cheerful, popular boy who once broke up a stone fight between two classmates by holding up a crucifix between them.
A May 6 Prayer
Lord, on this day we remember the Swiss Guards who died for the pope,
and the young men who promise today to do the same.
Give me that kind of loyalty to you and your Church.
Make me faithful in small things and brave in large ones.
St Dominic Savio, pray for young people everywhere.
Amen.
For the Pope and His Protectors
Lord, keep the Holy Father safe,
and bless those who guard him.
Amen.
For Teenagers
St Dominic Savio, you were holy and happy at fourteen.
Pray for teenagers facing pressure to compromise.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 6 May.
- For a young person preparing for confirmation.
- When praying for the pope.
Scripture Connection
“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” — Revelation 2:10
The Swiss Guards of 1527 were faithful unto death, and Dominic Savio was faithful in a short life. Faithfulness is the common thread.
Related prayers
For Dominic’s teacher, see the St John Bosco Prayer. For May, the May 4 Prayer. For a young man, the Prayer for a Young Man.