Weekly Reflection

St Dominic of Osma

Next week (8 August), the Church celebrates the Feast of St Dominic of Osma. Dominic is another new house name to be introduced at the College next year.

St Dominic was born in Caleruega, Spain in 1170. His parents were members of the Spanish nobility and related to the ruling family.

His father was Felix Guzman, and was the royal warden of the village. His mother, Blessed Joan of Aza, was a holy woman in her own right.

Dominic was an exemplary student concentrating on theology and the arts. But when in 1191 a famine left many people desolate and homeless across Spain, Dominic sold everything he had, including his furniture and clothes and bought food for the poor.

When he sold his manuscripts, required for study, he replied, "Would you have me study from these dead skins when people are dying of hunger?"

In 1194, Dominic joined a Benedictine order in Osma. He became the superior, of the chapter in 1201.

Pope Innocent III sent Dominic to southern France to convert heretical Albigensians to the true faith. He established both a monastery and a convent at Prouille in 1206. The monastery remains to this day as the Notre-Dame-de-Prouille Monastery.

According to legend, St Dominic received the Rosary during a period of prayer at the abbey in Prouille. This allegedly took place in 1214 during an apparition of the Virgin Mary.

This legend is a matter of some dispute, but while similar devotions existed before this time, there is no record of the Marian rosary in this form before. Also, the Marian Rosary became popular following this event, suggesting the legend may be true.

In July 1215, Dominic was granted permission to form his religious order dedicated to promoting morality and the expulsion of heresy. The group followed a Rule of Life, which included a strict discipline routine, including prayer and penance.

They also established a system of education and often travelled to the countryside to preach.

In July 1221, Dominic became ill with a fever. He asked to be laid on the ground, still refusing a bed. He died weeks later in the presence of his brother Dominicans. Dominic was just 51.

Pope Gregory IX canonised St Dominic on 13 July 1234, and his feast day is 8 August.

St Dominic is the patron saint of astronomers, the Dominican Republic, and the innocent who are falsely accused of crimes.

Dominic and St Francis were of the era and when they met Dominic stated, "You are my companion and must walk with me. For if we hold together no earthly power can withstand us".