The following true story about St. Dominic Savio was verified by his sister Theresa at the investigation for his canonization.

On September 12, 1856, St. John Bosco received an unexpected visit from one of his students, Dominic Savio. He was looking for permission to go home. When asked why, the young boy responded that his mother was very sick and that Our Lady wanted to take care of her. Had anyone written to him? And how did he know she was sick?

"I just know, that's all," was the honest reply.

The good priest gave the boy permission to leave and money also for the carriage.

Dominic’s mother was actually in labor, and in great pain. In the olden days, giving birth to babies was very dangerous and many women often died giving life to their children. Mrs. Savio’s strength was failing and there was a great chance and worry that she would lose her life. The neighboring women were helping as they could, but her health continued to fall.

When Dominic arrived, they didn’t want him upstairs with his mother.

"I know she's sick,” he told them. “That's why I came!" Dominic hurried to her room. Mrs. Savio saw him come in and asked him what he was doing there.

"I found out that you were sick," replied Dominic, "and I came to see you."

With some effort, his mother sat herself up, "Oh, it's nothing." she said, "Go downstairs. I'll see you later."

"I'll go, Mama, but first I want to hug you!" he said affectionately.

Dominic gave her a quick hug and kiss and then went back downstairs. He didn’t stay, but instead left the house and started back for Turin. It wasn’t long after - only a matter of minutes - that Mrs. Savio felt the pains leave her.

That evening, little Catherine Savio was born at five o'clock. Later it was noticed by the women helping that Dominic’s mother was wearing a Green Scapular. None of them had seen it before and they asked her where it came from. Mrs. Savio was equally surprised. Thinking back, she told them,

"Dominic must have put this scapular on me as he embraced me, because I've never had one like this before.”

She remembered too how the pains had left her shortly thereafter.

“That is why I have been safely delivered!" she said.

When Dominic returned to the Oratory he told Don Bosco, "My mother is all right. I gave her a scapular of our Blessed Mother."

The same Green Scapular that saved his mother's life, later saved that of his sister, Theresa, when she was in labor. The Savios lent the scapular to other pregnant women as well, and many similar miraculous favors were obtained.

During his last illness, when he was at home, Dominic asked his mother, "Do you remember the time I came to see you when you were in labor with my sister? I left a scapular of Our Lady around your neck. It was our Mother Mary who eased your labor. Take good care of the scapular and lend it to other women in the same condition. Our Blessed Mother will take care of them also."

Years later, his sister Theresa testified, "I had very many requests for this miraculous scapular. It was lent to many women in labor who were in danger of death. To my regret, it has been lost."