Our Habit

St. Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), was born in 1170 at Calaruega, Spain. His parents were Don Felix de Guzman and Blessed Joan of Aza. Very early it was decided that Dominic should have a career in the Church. His call was so evident that while he was still a student, Martin de Bazan, bishop of Osma, appointed him canon of the cathedral, and the stipend he received helped him to continue his studies.

Dominic's love of learning and his charity are both exemplified in a story of his student days. He had gathered a collection of religious books inscribed on parchment; these he greatly treasured, but one day he sold the whole lot that he might give the money obtained to some poor people. "I could not bear to prize dead skins," he said, "when living skins were starving and in need."

At the age of twenty-five, he was ordained a priest and took up his duties. He established the Dominican Order in 1216. He worked very hard, preaching on foot. He lived six years after the establishment of his Order. 

St. Dominic believed in education because an educated person can read the Holy Bible. The Dominican Order emphasises the sanctification of the intellect. Dominc's life was marked by quiet piety and an unceasing devotion to spreading the gospel. he was a gentle and a happy person, such that anyone who came to him went away happier. 

At fifty-one yers of age, he was getting weak and exhausted. He got very sick and died on August 6, 1221 in Bologna, Italy. Thirteen years after his death, on July 13, 1234, he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX, at Reity, Italy.

His feast day is August 8. He is the Patron Saint of scientists, astronomers, falsely accused people and the Dominican Republic.