Dominic is the Founder of the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans. The son of Felix de Guzman, a noble, and Blessed Joan of Aza, he was born in Calaruega, Spain in 1170. In 1184, Dominic began studies at the University of Palencia, becoming a canon regular at the cathedral of Osma in 1199. In 1203, Dominic accompanied Blessed Diego de Azevedo to southern France to preach against the Albigensian heretics and to reform the local monasteries. Dominic opened a convent in Prouille for women converts from Albigensianism. The priests he placed in charge of the convent were the core of his new order.

In 1208, Peter of Castelnau, the papal legate, was murdered by the Albigensians. Pope Innocent III subsequently started a crusade to put an end to the heresy. Simon IV de Monfort headed this seven-year campaign. Dominic accompanied the army to preach to the Albigensians, without success. In 1214, Simon IV de Montfort gave him a castle at Caseneuil. There Dominic and six companions founded the Order of Preachers. A the Twelfth General Council (Fourth Council of the Lateran, 1215) the order was denied approval, but the next year Pope Honorius III granted Dominic his approval and blessings.

Dominic spent the last years of his life organizing the order. He traveled throughout Italy, Spain and France. The Dominicans relied upon the usual religious customs and traditions but provided intellectual pursuits that attracted great scholars. The Dominicans also observed the ascetical spirit of the era, as well as genuine zeal in reaching the common people. With the Franciscans, founded by St. Francis of Assisi, the Dominicans formed the “Mendicants,” a daring venture that broadened the Church’s appeal.

Dominic convened the first general council of the Order of Preachers in Bologna, Italy, in 1220. He died there on August 8, the following year. He was canonized in 1234. His feast day is August 8.