It is said in a story about Dominic’s mother that, when she was pregnant, she had a dream about a dog leaping from her womb and using a torch it carried in its mouth to set the world on fire. “Dominic” is similar to the Latin words for "The Lord's Dog". Dominic went to study theology and the arts when he was 14, excelling at school until a famine hit the area and he donated all of his furniture, clothing, and books to raise money to feed the hungry. He joined a Benedictine order in 1194 and was ordained a priest around the age of 24. His life took a drastic turn, however, around the year 1204 when he took a trip to Denmark with the bishop. When their mission failed, the two began to travel to wherever they wanted! Dominic decided he would become an itinerant preacher, traveling from place to place for ten years. He debated anyone who questioned the theology he had studied that said the world and our bodies really are good, even when they threatened him physically. He even established a monastery (the first Dominican one) to provide a safe place for children to be educated. When a crusade began, Dominic spent this time begging soldiers to spare the lives of the people they were trying to convert. Around this time we begin to hear stories about how St. Dominic was given the first rosary in a vision. Soon, several people tried at once to make him a bishop. He refused, and instead focused on the formation of his own Order. Dominic began to travel after his success, taking, as always, just a small bundle, eating only vegetarian food, refusing beds, and not wearing shoes once he left the edge of town. He is patron saint of astronomers because it is said that when he was baptized, his mother saw a star shining on his chest.
Find out more on his new page!
Comentarios