Our founder, and spiritual father

Dominic, born in 1170, to pious parents, Felix and Jane, was raised in Caleruega, Spain. They instilled in him a love for the Lord and His Church, and the skills to be a diligent student. He was provided an education in both the liberal arts and theology, excelling in spiritual virtues as well.

Recognized by all for his spiritual leadership, Dominic became not only a canon regular, but the subprior in Osma. While outwardly chosen for increasing responsibility in the Church, he also excelled in personal piety; studying, praying day and night, and eager to be used by the Lord to bring more souls into the Kingdom of God.

In contrast to the customs of his day, Dominic employed “evangelical poverty,” personal holiness and earnest preaching to commend the gospel to the unbelieving and heretics. Dominic preached with his words and actions, unafraid before physical persecution, practiced severe fasting, and even offered himself as a slave (twice) on behalf of others.

After ten years of ministry in Toulouse, France, Dominic approached Pope Innocent III to grant  permission for an entirely new concept; an order of itinerant preachers. After further refinements, Dominic finally received confirmation from Pope Honorius for his Order of Preachers in 1216.

Rather than gather in one place, Dominic scattered his brethren to varied centers of higher learning around Europe, both to learn and to live as authentic witnesses of this new preaching ministry. Through the faithfulness of these witnesses, accompanied by divine signs and wonders, God gathered to the Order of Preachers men who were zealous for preaching the gospel.

Before his death five years later, Dominic impressed on his brethren his values; to exercise charity, preserve humility and possess voluntary poverty. Dominic died in a borrowed cell, and was buried in Bologna wearing a borrowed habit.

St. Dominic left behind a legacy of heroic virtue, indefatigable preaching for the salvation of souls, and an Order consisting of Friars, Brothers, Sisters, Nuns and Laity, intent on communicating the gospel, for the transformation of souls and our world.