St. Dominic de Guzman, August 8

Saint Dominic de Guzmán, OP was a Castilian Catholic priest and the founder of the Dominican Order. He was born on August 8, 1170, in Caleruega, Spain and he passed on to Heaven on August 6, 1221. He was 50 years old and is buried in the Basilica of San Domenico, in Bologna, Italy. His parents were Blessed Joan of Aza, Felix Nunez de Guzman. St. Dominic was Canonized on July 3, 1234, by Pope Gregory IX.  

Dominic founded the Order on TRUTH.   We embrace the pillars of Community, Ministry, Study, and Prayer. Happy Feastday to all Dominican Men and Women throughout the world and to all of our associates and supporters.  

Following is a description of what it means to be a Dominican from Timothy Radcliffe, OP Former Master of the Dominican Order.

To be a Dominican is to find that you belong to us. You are at home. But we Dominicans may have many different conceptions as to what that means. First of all, we have to recognize the same impulse in each other. We preach the same Lord. One recognizes certain family resemblances: a quality of joy, a sense of equality, a passion, and a trust in our tradition. All these hint at a way of life we share, however great the superficial differences. What holds us together is a way of life which allows for great diversity and flexibility, and a common mission. We are bound together as a community by the stories of the past as well as the dreams of the future. So, community is based on more than a single vision. It is built patiently by learning to listen to each other, to be strong and to be fragile, learning fidelity to each other and Love of one another.

In response to the call from the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), we invite you—wherever you are—to join us on August 14, 2025, for a global Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace. As women of faith and hope, we unite our hearts with those suffering from war and injustice across the world. Rooted in Gospel compassion and co-responsibility, we turn to Mary, Mother of Peace, whose feast we celebrate on August 15, asking her to intercede for healing, reconciliation, and justice.

How You Can Participate

Set aside time for prayer, reflection, and fasting.

Gather with your parish, family, or community to pray for peace.

Advocate for justice, reconciliation, and human dignity by engaging with local leaders, faith communities, or organizations working for peace and social healing.

Let us be a light in the darkness—witnesses of hope and builders of peace.