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 Saint Dominic de Guzman: 8th Century of Birth Scott 509-512 (1971) The Feast of Saint Dominic de Guzman is celebrated on August 8, the anniversary of his birth date in 1170. The four-stamp set shown above was issued to commemorate the 800th anniversary of his birth, and features four portraits of the saint. The 25L stamp comes from the Sienese School, the 50L stamp is a work by Fra Angelico, the 90L stamp is by Titian, and the 180L stamp is by El Greco. Born in Calaruega (Castile), Spain, Dominic became an Augustinian Canon at the Osma Cathedral while a student in Palencia, appointed sacristan in 1199 and sub-prior in 1201 He was devoted to the monastic common life, and lived a contemplative life until age 31, when he embarked on a diplomatic mission at the request of his bishop. He traveled through the Languedoc area of Southern France, the location of the Albigensian heresy. The experience led Dominic to become a preacher to the Albigensians (named after the city of Albi, one of the main heretical centers). Among other practices, the Albigensians (or Cathars) rejected the sacraments and focused on a somewhat primitive form of Christianity (and a form of Neo-Gnosticism). They rejected concepts such as marriage and traditional Church authority. Dominic and his companions lived simple lives in poverty, discussed issues simply and preached without threats while encountering people influenced with Cathar notions. While successful to some degree, the Cathar leaders refused to cooperate, eventually leading to the Albigensian Crusade in the later 12th century during the pontificate of Innocent III. Mixed in with the heresy was a traditional distrust of the French crown (located in northern France) whose power was growing throughout France during parts of this era, as well as linguistic and some cultural differences among French speakers. In 1206 Dominic experienced a vision during which the Blessed Mother called on him to pray the rosary. He founded a women’s shelter and later a monastery for Albigensian nuns who returned to the Catholic Church. His preaching continued for a decade, during which time a group of followers were trained to continue the efforts.  800th Anniversary of the Founding of the Dominican Order Scott 1635 (2016) Eventually he formed a new mendicant order which obtained papal approval from Innocent III. Poverty and study were emphasized. His preachers were sent out in pairs to preach and friaries were established as their homes. The new group was named the Order of Preachers, popularly known as the Dominicans. The last years of his life saw Dominic travel to Rome, Bologna, Spain, and France. He also established foundations in Hungary, England, and Denmark. He died in Bologna on August 6, 1221. David Farmer writes: "He was a saint with gifts of organization, who realized the extreme importance of personal contact, delegated responsibility, and the views of others. …His Order multiplied exceedingly in the time soon after his death; renewed in recent years, it contributes powerfully to teaching, preaching, and missionary work."Saint Dominic’s tomb is at the Basilica of San Domenico in Bologna. He was canonized shortly after his death, in 1234. REFERENCES: |
