St. Dominic
Founder of the Dominican Order
Feast Day: August 8
Biography
St. Dominic de Guzmán (1170–1221) was a Spanish priest whose encounter with the Albigensian heresy in southern France inspired him to found a new religious order dedicated to preaching and teaching the truth. Unlike the monks of his era who lived in seclusion, Dominic envisioned an order of highly educated preachers who would go out into the world to teach, debate, and convert through the power of truth and personal holiness. He founded the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) in 1216, which quickly produced some of the greatest minds in Church history, including St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Albert the Great. Tradition credits St. Dominic with receiving the Rosary from the Blessed Virgin Mary, though the historical evidence for this is debated. What is certain is that the Dominicans played a central role in popularizing Rosary devotion. Dominic was known for his joyful personality, his love of poverty, his passion for souls, and his intense prayer life — he was often found praying through the night.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
O wonderful St. Dominic, you burned with zeal for souls and founded the Order of Preachers to spread the light of truth. Obtain for me a love of truth, a zeal for the salvation of souls, and the grace to pray the Holy Rosary with devotion. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Dominic, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Dominic, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.