Saint Dominic

Dominic was born in Caleruega, Spain.  He was named after Saint Dominic of Silos, the patron saint of hopeful mothers.

Dominic’s parents are Felix Guzman and Joanna of Aza.  Dominic was educated in the arts and theology. In 1191, when Spain was desolated by a terrible famine, Dominic was just finishing his theological studies. He gave away his money and sold his clothes, and his furniture so that others might eat. Because of the difficulties facing the people’s spiritual needs, Dominic wanted a new type of organization. 

His journeys taught him that there were very intelligent people teaching against the Church.  So, he gathered a small group of priests around him; that group could not live the rugged lifestyle he called them to live.  So he tried again with six followers. He subjected himself and his companions to the monastic rules of prayer and penance.  Thus the Dominicans were formed.

Throughout his life, Dominic is said to have practiced rigorous self-denial. He wore a hair shirt, and an iron chain around his loins, which he never laid aside, even in sleep. He abstained from meat and observed stated fasts and periods of silence. He selected the worst accommodations and the poorest clothes, and never allowed himself the luxury of a bed. When traveling, he made the journey with spiritual instruction and prayers.  As soon as he passed the limits of towns and villages, he took off his shoes, and, however sharp the stones or thorns, he trudged on his way barefooted. No matter his discomforts, all he would speak would be praises to God.

Death came at the age of fifty-one and found him exhausted with the austerities and labors of his eventful career. He had reached the convent of St Nicholas at Bologna, Italy, weary and sick with a fever. He refused the repose of a bed and made the monks lay him on some sack stretched upon the ground. The brief time that remained to him was spent in exhorting his followers to have charity, to guard their humility, and to make their treasure out of poverty. He died at noon on 6 August 1221.