Saint Dominic
Dominic de Guzman was born at Caleruega, Spain, around 1172-1173. After completing his studies at Palencia, where he shone in his generosity towards the poor, he was ordained a priest and became a Canon Regular in the Cathedral Chapter of Osma. He exercised the office of Subprior (from 1201), diligent in prayer and prudent in governing. While on a diplomatic mission with his bishop, Diego d'Azevedo, he experienced first-hand the Albigensian heresy which was at that time widespread in the vicinity of Toulouse. From 1206 he determined to dedicate his life to the ministry of preaching and to live a life of evangelical poverty. Eventually he was supported in his work by a monastery of nuns at Prouille which he had directed from its foundation in 1206.
Augmenting the canonical and apostolic life under the Rule of St Augustine, he undertook for himself and his followers the ministry of the word, which until then had been reserved to bishops; the new religious Order was approved by Pope Honorius III on 22 December, 1216. Then, confirmed in the universal mission of the Order at Rome on 18 January, 1217, relying on the grace of God and trusting in the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on 15 August 1217 he dispersed the brethren throughout Europe, sending them especially to Paris and Bologna, then the preeminent centres of study, keeping for himself the onerous mission of preaching in those parts of northern Italy infected by the Cathar heresy.
He was “always speaking to God” and thence efficaciously “about God.” As he gave God to men and women by fervent preaching, so he drew them to God by way of prayer. “He showed himself everywhere, by word and deed, to be a man of the Gospel. No-one was better company with his brothers and associates, no-one was more joyful: the best and greatest consoler.”
He died at Bologna on 6 August 6, 1221. Gregory IX, who as Cardinal of Ostia-Tiburtina had been his personal friend, inscribed him in the Catalogue of the Saints on 3 July, 1234.
In Australia and New Zealand, his feast is celebrated on August 3; elsewhere, on August 8
Dominic de Guzman was born at Caleruega, Spain, around 1172-1173. After completing his studies at Palencia, where he shone in his generosity towards the poor, he was ordained a priest and became a Canon Regular in the Cathedral Chapter of Osma. He exercised the office of Subprior (from 1201), diligent in prayer and prudent in governing. While on a diplomatic mission with his bishop, Diego d'Azevedo, he experienced first-hand the Albigensian heresy which was at that time widespread in the vicinity of Toulouse. From 1206 he determined to dedicate his life to the ministry of preaching and to live a life of evangelical poverty. Eventually he was supported in his work by a monastery of nuns at Prouille which he had directed from its foundation in 1206.
Augmenting the canonical and apostolic life under the Rule of St Augustine, he undertook for himself and his followers the ministry of the word, which until then had been reserved to bishops; the new religious Order was approved by Pope Honorius III on 22 December, 1216. Then, confirmed in the universal mission of the Order at Rome on 18 January, 1217, relying on the grace of God and trusting in the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on 15 August 1217 he dispersed the brethren throughout Europe, sending them especially to Paris and Bologna, then the preeminent centres of study, keeping for himself the onerous mission of preaching in those parts of northern Italy infected by the Cathar heresy.
He was “always speaking to God” and thence efficaciously “about God.” As he gave God to men and women by fervent preaching, so he drew them to God by way of prayer. “He showed himself everywhere, by word and deed, to be a man of the Gospel. No-one was better company with his brothers and associates, no-one was more joyful: the best and greatest consoler.”
He died at Bologna on 6 August 6, 1221. Gregory IX, who as Cardinal of Ostia-Tiburtina had been his personal friend, inscribed him in the Catalogue of the Saints on 3 July, 1234.
In Australia and New Zealand, his feast is celebrated on August 3; elsewhere, on August 8
Saint Catherine of Siena
Catherine Benincasa was born at Siena, Italy, in 1347, the youngest of twenty-five children. Inspired by divine grace she vowed her virginity to God while still a small girl and after overcoming the objections of her family pursued a life of prayer and penance as a Sister of Penance of Saint Dominic. She continued in this way of life until 137O when in a vision God asked her to undertake an active apostolate and become involved in the affairs of her age. Several times she was able to bring about peace among the Italian city-states and, while representing the Florentines at Avignon, was instrumental in persuading Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome.
On April 1, 1375, by divine favour she received the stigmata. The Dialogue (1378), which she left for her large family of disciples, is a masterpiece of spiritual and theological doctrine and has become a source of riches for the entire Dominican Family. She died in Rome on April 29, 1380, and was buried in the basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. In 197O Pope Paul VI declared her a Doctor of the Church.
Catherine Benincasa was born at Siena, Italy, in 1347, the youngest of twenty-five children. Inspired by divine grace she vowed her virginity to God while still a small girl and after overcoming the objections of her family pursued a life of prayer and penance as a Sister of Penance of Saint Dominic. She continued in this way of life until 137O when in a vision God asked her to undertake an active apostolate and become involved in the affairs of her age. Several times she was able to bring about peace among the Italian city-states and, while representing the Florentines at Avignon, was instrumental in persuading Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome.
On April 1, 1375, by divine favour she received the stigmata. The Dialogue (1378), which she left for her large family of disciples, is a masterpiece of spiritual and theological doctrine and has become a source of riches for the entire Dominican Family. She died in Rome on April 29, 1380, and was buried in the basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. In 197O Pope Paul VI declared her a Doctor of the Church.