Its not the founder of the Dominicans we honor today, but theres a poignant story that connects both Dominics.
Our saint today, Dominic of Silos, was born in Spain around the year 1000 into a peasant family. As a young boy he spent time in the fields, where he welcomed the solitude. He became a Benedictine priest and served in numerous leadership positions. Following a dispute with the king over property, Dominic and two other monks were exiled. They established a new monastery in what at first seemed an unpromising location. Under Dominics leadership, however, it became one of the most famous houses in Spain. Many healings were reported there.
About 100 years after Dominics death, a young woman made a pilgrimage to his tomb. There Dominic of Silos appeared to her and assured her that she would bear another son. The woman was Joan of Aza, and the son she bore grew up to be the other Dominicthe one who founded the Dominicans.
For many years thereafter, the staff used by SaintDominic of Silos was brought to the royal palace whenever a queen of Spain was in labor. That practice ended in 1931.
SaintDominic of Silos connection with the Saint Dominic who founded the Dominican Order brings to mind the filmSix Degrees of Separation:we are all connected it seems. Gods providential care can bring people together in mysterious ways, but it all points to his love for each of us.
