Saint Dominic

SaintDominic

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Saint Dominic (Spanish: Santo Domingo; 1170 – 6 August 1221) was a Castilian priest and founder of the Dominican Order. Dominic is the patron saint of astronomers, the Dominican Republic, and the innocent who are falsely accused of crimes. His feast day is celebrated on 8 August.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Saint Dominic was born in Caleruega, in the Kingdom of Castile (now part of Spain), to the noble family of Felix Guzman and Blessed Joan of Aza. He was named after Saint Dominic of Silos, a revered Spanish saint. Dominic was educated in the schools of Palencia, where he studied the liberal arts and theology.

Founding of the Dominican Order[edit | edit source]

In 1203, Dominic accompanied his bishop, Diego de Acebo, on a diplomatic mission to Denmark. During this journey, he encountered the Albigensian heresy in southern France. Deeply moved by the need for a new kind of preaching to combat heresy, Dominic began to envision a religious order dedicated to this purpose.

In 1215, Dominic established a convent at Prouille, France, which became the first Dominican house. The Dominican Order, formally known as the Order of Preachers (Ordo Praedicatorum, O.P.), was approved by Pope Honorius III in 1216. The order emphasized rigorous scholarship, preaching, and a commitment to poverty.

Missionary Work and Legacy[edit | edit source]

Dominic traveled extensively throughout Europe, preaching and establishing Dominican communities. He was known for his humility, austerity, and dedication to the Gospel. Dominic's followers, known as Dominicans, played a significant role in the Inquisition and the spread of scholasticism.

Saint Dominic died on 6 August 1221 in Bologna, Italy, where he was buried in the church of San Nicolò delle Vigne. He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on 13 July 1234.

Veneration[edit | edit source]

Saint Dominic is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and the Lutheran Church. His feast day is celebrated on 8 August in the Roman Catholic Church and on 4 August in the Anglican Communion.