St. Dominic

Feastday: August 8th.

St Dominic was born Domingo de Guzman in 1170 to a noble and very pious family in the village of Caleruega, north of Madrid, Spain. From a very young age he was known to be a devout and studious boy, excelling at his studies, and deeply devoted to God. After studying for seven years under his uncle, Archbishop Gonzalo de Aza, Dominic was sent to the University of Palencia at age 14. Immersed in the arts and theology, it is here that his fervour for academics and contemplation of the word of God took deep hold. At age 24, Dominic was confirmed a priest and set about preaching on foot throughout Spain, France, and Italy.

Throughout his life, Dominic ignited passion in others and illuminated the word of God. He established convents, monasteries, and places of contemplation, learning, and worship in his lifetime. In 1216 the Order of Dominicans, also known as the Order of Preachers, was established with the approval of Pope Honorius III.

St. Dominic died in Bologna, Italy, in 1221 and was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1234. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of students across the world have been educated under the charism of St Dominic since that time.