Dominic

Dominic lived during the twelfth century, being known as a great preacher and teacher of the faith, led an exemplary life of faith.  Like Francis of Assisi he understood a life of poverty as a remarkable witness to combating many of the social ills of the time.  As a young man he is said to have sold his textbooks, and use the money to help the poor.  His entire life embrace poverty, chastity and obedience, as a steward of the Kingdom.

During his time he spent much time and energy refuting the heresies of the Albigensians.  This fanatical religious group denied the Incarnation and considered the body as an evil.  As such they engaged in a variety of extreme ascetic practices which were in reality neither religious nor were they respectful of one's dignity.

As founder of the Order of Preachers he directed his followers to combine prayer, study, and the preaching of the word of God, in addition to the precepts of the Church.  Dominic would instruct his friars to share what they had contemplated.  The Office of Readings today describes him as a man devoted to Christ and motivated by divine love.  Further, the Readings suggest that Dominic showed himself to be a man of God in word and in deed; whenever he spoke it was in reference to God.  Just as his holiness and teaching helped the Church of the twelfth century, it is our hope that his inspiration motivates our Church today to holiness.

At ordination we priests are told to imitate the mystery we celebrate.  790 some years ago Dominic understood that premise by his preaching, teaching, and celebration of the Eucharist.  Today thousands of Dominican men and women keep his spirit alive.  But our challenge of faith too is to contemplate this mystery we celebrate, and to articulate our faith.  We are invited to proclaim Good News where-ever we find ourselves.