Even before his birth, St Dominic’s mother had a vision of a dog with a flaming torch in its mouth, a torch that would set fire to the whole world upon the birth of her third son, Dominic. This was a sign that her son was to become a remarkable preacher who, armed with the Sacred Doctrine, was destined to wake many dormant souls… spreading throughout the world the fire that the Christ Jesus had brought to the world. Later, upon the birth of Dominic, she saw the moon on his forehead, At his Baptism, his godmother perceived it as a star. Dominic was probably named after St Dominic of Silas whose shrine was a favorite of his mother.Languedoc, 1205 – 1215 : Dominic, the Apostle of Truth, spent a great part of his life combating heresies, in particular the Albigensian sect. Dominic preaches to the Albigensians. When the Book containing the Truth was miraculously rejected by the fire,
many were convinced… and became followers. He was always compassionate to those were in trouble, always affectionate and made each person feel at ease. Many were converted due to Dominic’s preaching during those 10 years ; however, at the end, the population still remained at heart Albigensian. Dominic’s last sermon in Languedoc: “For many years I have exhorted you in vain, with gentleness, preaching, praying and weeping. But according to the proverb of my country, ‘where blessing can accomplish nothing, blows may avail.’ We shall rouse against you princes and prelates, who, alas, will arm nations and kingdoms against this land… and thus blows will avail where blessings and gentleness have been powerless.“December 1216: Pope Honorius III grants permission.Throughout his life, Dominic zealously practiced rigorous self-denial. He abstained from meat and observed stated fasts and periods of silence. He selected the worst accommodations and the meanest clothes, and never allowed himself the luxury of a bed. When traveling, he devoted himself to prayers and spiritual instruction of his friars.
As soon as he passed the limits of towns and villages, he took off his shoes, and, however sharp the stones or thorns, he continued his journey barefoot. He cheerfully accepted rain and other discomforts, and never complained but offered praise to God.
In short, Dominic’s most evident characteristic was that he always spoke to God in prayer or about God to others.