St. Dominic.

If we hear someone talk about “Dominicans,” we immediately think of the Inquisition and the “black legend” of the 18th century, which the Enlightenment used to spread the image of the Middle Ages as a dark age of superstition and religious fanaticism. Those with less prejudice—and more knowledge—immediately associate the Dominicans with St. Thomas Aquinas, with the prayer of the rosary, and with the paintings of Fra Angelico.
It’s a fact that few people immediately remember their founder, whose name was the basis for the common designation of his followers. To this day, Dominic of Caleruega (formerly called “de Guzmán” after the noble family; according to historiographical tradition its most famous son), is relatively little known. He is certainly not as popular a saint as many others, much more famous than him: Thomas Aquinas, Catherine of Siena, Vincent Ferrers, Martín de Porres. It may be because his life – at least outwardly – was not marked by extraordinary facts, unexpected twists, or stunning miracles. However, the establishment of the order, a significant event, resulted from successive steps: Dominic understood the need for a new proclamation of the Gospel and accepted the prompting of the Spirit, which led him to make his plan a reality.
Now, on the 800th anniversary of his death, or—to use liturgical and theological language—his dies natalis, his “birthday” for heaven, we want not only to remember him but also to make his holiness better known and emphasize his significant role in the history of the Church.