Today is the 8th of August, the feast day of St. Dominic de Guzman. He is one of my favorite saints because of his close affinity with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Rosary.
Dominic (Domingo in Spanish) was born in Spain, in the town of Caleruega, in 1170, to Juana de Aza and Felix Guzman. At the age of seven, he was trained by a priest, who is also his uncle, in the clerical studies and the service of the altar. At fourteen, he was sent to the University of Palencia, the center of learning for the Kingdom of Leon. Moved with compassion, he sold his precious books for the relief of war refugees who were homeless and without resources. He said, “How can I study from dead skins when living men are starving?”
In 1193, Dominic was ordained priest. Aware of the dangers posed by the Albigensian heresy he founded the Order of Preachers (popularly known as the Dominicans) the purpose of which is preaching for the salvation of souls. He envisioned a group of apostolic men who live in common, profess the evangelical counsels (poverty, obedience and chastity), fervently celebrate the Holy Eucharist, study assiduously, persevere in regular observances, and preach the Good News of Salvation.
Consumed by his ardent love for God and neighbor, Dominic died in Bologna on the 6th of August, in the year of our Lord 1221 at the age of 51. He was elevated to the altars of the church in 1234 when he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX.
Dominic (Domingo in Spanish) was born in Spain, in the town of Caleruega, in 1170, to Juana de Aza and Felix Guzman. At the age of seven, he was trained by a priest, who is also his uncle, in the clerical studies and the service of the altar. At fourteen, he was sent to the University of Palencia, the center of learning for the Kingdom of Leon. Moved with compassion, he sold his precious books for the relief of war refugees who were homeless and without resources. He said, “How can I study from dead skins when living men are starving?”
In 1193, Dominic was ordained priest. Aware of the dangers posed by the Albigensian heresy he founded the Order of Preachers (popularly known as the Dominicans) the purpose of which is preaching for the salvation of souls. He envisioned a group of apostolic men who live in common, profess the evangelical counsels (poverty, obedience and chastity), fervently celebrate the Holy Eucharist, study assiduously, persevere in regular observances, and preach the Good News of Salvation.
Consumed by his ardent love for God and neighbor, Dominic died in Bologna on the 6th of August, in the year of our Lord 1221 at the age of 51. He was elevated to the altars of the church in 1234 when he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX.
Legend has it that the Holy Rosary was given and taught to Dominic by the Blessed Virgin Mary herself in an apparition. This belief may have inspired the Dominicans throughout the ages to propagate the Rosary as the most popular Catholic devotional practice next only to the Holy Mass.
Saint Dominic, Pray for us!
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