St. Dominic de Guzman (August 8, 1170 – August 6, 1221)
The Founder of the Order of Preachers was a priest and a mystic. An excellent preacher, Dominic soon inspired others who wished to live according to his holy and prayerful ways. A group of women converts were among his first followers. One night, St. Dominic saw a light blaze across the sky over the hills of Prouille, France. He took this as a “seignadou”, meaning a “sign from God.” There, he built the first convent for sisters. This was the beginning of the Dominican Order. More than eight hundred years later, there are thousands of Dominican priests, brothers, and sisters who are still uplifted by the four pillars of the Order: prayer, community, mission, and study.
REFLECTION: Have you experienced “a sign” that has affirmed your faith?
This bronze statue of St. Dominic was originally cast in 1974 by Fr. Thomas McGlynn, OP. He was a well-known sculptor. The artist portrayed St. Dominic stepping forward with purpose and mission to preach the Good News. The statue is in the center of a peaceful garden, with winding walkways and benches. In front of this contemplative area, there is a sign: “Welcome to the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Dominic, Members of the Worldwide Order of Preachers.”
To learn more about St. Dominic’s life go to the Ordo Praedicatorum website. Scroll down to view a set of videos all about St. Dominic de Guzman.
Other stops on the trail:
