Greetings! How are you today? Hope you are doing well. Today throughout the Catholic Christian world we celebrate a very special saint who has sometimes been referred to as “The Dog of the Lord.” Personally, that nickname seems a bit ruff. The first time I heard it I thought, “Woof!” However, on further consideration it seems to be an appropriate moniker for the saint of the day. From Latin this 12
th
century Spaniard’s name was, “Domini canis” which is “Domingo” in Spanish and usually “Dominic” in English - although the literal translation would be “Dog of the Lord.”
According to popular legend, St. Dominic’s mother - Blessed Joan of Aza - had a dream during a pilgrimage in which a dog carrying a torch leapt forth from her womb. In her dream the dog ran all over casting fire upon the earth. This was apparently the inspiration for the naming of her son, Dominic. Since his religious congregation, the Order of Preachers or O.P. or the Dominicans, are spread throughout the world proclaiming the saving news of Jesus Christ it seems that his mother’s dream was quite prophetic.
It’s oftentimes said that “a dog is man’s (or woman’s) best friend.” Well, St. Dominic had a best friend in the Lord and he himself did his best to be a true friend for his fellow man. He was a learned fellow who spent years and years studying theology but he never allowed it to be an excuse to forget the needs of the poor and marginalized. When a severe famine went across Spain he willingly sold his theological books so that he could buy food and clothing for those who were needy. (More info:
catholic.org/saints)
His contributions to the building up of God’s Kingdom here on Earth are remarkable and worthy of mentioning. For one, he helped to preach against a heretical movement in France known as Albigensianism. Proponents of this seemingly-Christian set of ideas believed that material things, including the human body, were evil. St. Dominic upheld the dignity of God’s created order with a special regard and respect that ought to be given for the human body.
Also, St. Dominic is credited with receiving and promoting the Rosary of Our Blessed Mother. According to tradition, Mary appeared to St. Dominic and taught him about the Rosary as a way to grow in knowledge and appreciation for the mysteries of the life of Jesus. This pious form of prayer is near and dear to so many of our hearts and we owe a debt of gratitude to Santo Domingo. As the saying goes, “Every dog has its day” and the “Dog of the Lord” has his day today. St. Dominic, pray for us!
