St. Dominic de Guzman

Dominic was born to Felix Guzman and his wife Joanna of Aza around 1170 in Spain. Before his birth his mother dreamed he would be a champion for the Lord. This dream was amply fulfilled. Dominic became a priest, studying ten years at the University of Palencia. He preached against the Albigensian heresy and to combat heresy, founded the Order of Preachers, mendicant friars dedicated to study and preaching. Dominic also founded an order of nuns, and a third order for laypeople. His preaching and virtuous life led many back to the faith and he worked many miracles. He insisted on extensive education for members of his order and many Dominicans such as St. Albert the Great and St. Thomas Aquinas became known for their great knowledge as well as their heroic sanctity. Dominic died August 6, 1221 at Bologna and was canonized in 1234. His mother Joanna was beatified in 1828 and his brother, Manes became a Dominican and was also beatified. St. Dominic’s feast is August 8.