Though Dominic Savio was only five, he had received permission to serve Mass all by himself. He was beside himself with joy. Then, at age seven, he received his First Holy Communion. On that great day, Dominic wrote down four important resolutions for himself; one would become his life's motto: "Death rather than sin." At age nine, Dominic knew he wanted to be a priest. He went to Turin to attend school at Father John Bosco's Oratory. Father Bosco was very friendly, and he taught Dominic that everyone can be a saint, easily and simply, by fulfilling his duties well each day. God's will for Dominic was that he be a schoolboy saint. Dominic received this news with joy, for he had been trying to please God in somberness and silence. He set out with a new heart, performing his everyday duties and prayers faithfully, no matter what other boys said, and trying to get his friends to do the same. It worked; soon Father Bosco could see the shining holiness of Dominic's life. At age 14 Dominic was feeling ill; soon God was to call him to Himself. When He did, Father Bosco wrote to his family, "Don't grieve; God has great plans for Dominic." And sure enough, in 1954 the Pope declared young Dominic Savio a saint of the Church. Dominic's motto, "Death rather than sin," and his faithfulness to God each day, had led him straight to holiness and to Heaven.