CHAPTER III.
DOMINIC IS ALLOWED TO MAKE HIS FIRST COMMUNION BEFORE THE USUAL AGE. PREPARATION FOR THE IMPORTANT DAY. HIS RESOLUTIONS.
IT was remarked in the foregoing chapter that Dominic showed exceptional piety when he approached the Holy Table, but there were important circumstances connected with his First Communion that call for consideration. As far as dispositions are concerned, Dominic appeared to have the most excellent ones; he knew the necessary catechism thoroughly; he had a clear knowledge, considering his years, of this the greatest of the Sacraments, and moreover, his desire to receive it was eager and constant. The only obstacle, therefore, was his age, for at that time, children were usually not allowed to make their First Communion before they were eleven or twelve. Savio was only a boy of seven, and he hardly looked his few years, so that the parish priest hesitated. He consulted the neighbouring priests, and having carefully considered the boy's knowledge and dispositions, all doubt and hesitation were finally swept aside, and
7
