1. Heroes of Spain: Dominic de Guzmán
Santo Domingo de Guzmán by Claudio Coello
Oil on canvas, ca. 1685
Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain
Essential Question:
What does the life of Dominic reveal about the difficulties Spain was experiencing in the 13th century?

2. Dominic’s mother’s dream
While she was pregnant with Dominic, his mother had a dream of a dog leaping from her womb with a torch in its mouth—she said it seemed to set the earth on fire

3. Dominic de Guzmán Born in Caleruega (Old Castile), Spain in 1170
He loved to sing!
He also thought studying was really important for the development of the human person
Attended University in Palencia in 1184, studying the arts
In 1191, Spain was struck by famine, so Dominic chose to sell his belongings, even what was most important to him, to feed the hungry
In 1194, Dominic joined the Canons Regular, a group of men who lived together under a rule and shared their belongings

4. Dominic de Guzmán
Albigensians: group of people who thought matter (the body, things, etc.) is bad. They rejected the physical sometimes to the point of starvation.
By nature, the body and created things are good—it’s how we use them that can be sometimes be hurtful to us or others.
The Albigensians were confused about the purpose of the body and created goods.
Dominic recognized their position was harming people and wanted to respond to this need, so he studied a lot about it and debated with the Albigensians, challenging them nonviolently and peacefully.
Many of the Albigensians changed their minds as a result of Dominic’s study and calm debates.

5. Dominic de Guzmán
In 1211, during a war, a group of English pilgrims were on their way to Saint James of Compostela in Spain. While crossing the River Garonne, the overloaded boat capsized. Dominic heard the cries of bystanders and soldiers. Many of the pilgrims were already underwater. Dominic prostrated himself, prayed and loudly commanded their safety in the Name of Jesus Christ. Immediately, the pilgrims emerged near the shore and were pulled to the riverbank. One of the pilgrims, named Lawrence, would be one of the first members of the Order of Preachers, the community that Dominic started.

6. Dominic de Guzmán
In 1214, Dominic had a vision of the Mother of God, who told him that the weapon to bring peace to the world is praying the Rosary
In 1216, Dominic founded his own community, the Order of Preachers, or Dominicans
The purpose of Dominic’s group is to respond to the hunger of every human person for truth and goodness
Education and study are emphasized in Dominic’s group
Before he died, his community had 8 foundations in 6 countries

7. Dominic de Guzmán Questions to answer:
What would happen to you if you lived in Spain during the time of Dominic?
Would you have done the same thing as Dominic?
If you were there, would you help Dominic?
What significance does Dominic’s life have from a global perspective?
What would the world be like if more people were like Dominic?