Saint of the Day: Dominic de Silos

St Dominic de Silos

Born in 1000 in Cañas in Navarre, in the Rioja region, Dominic's parents were farmers with whom he worked for years before becoming a monastic. He also worked as a shepherd before entering the Benedictine order. He was later ordained to the priesthood and became prior at St Milan de la Congolla. When he refused to hand over the monastery's lands to the king of Navarre, he and two companions were exiled.

However, King Ferndinand I of Castilla la Vieja welcomed Dominic, giving them a derelict monastery at Silos. He found the monastery both a physical and spiritual ruin. Within a few short years, Dominic rebuilt the monastery which became a thriving community and center of learning that house more than 40 monks. One of the scriptoria used at San Sebastian de Silos is now on display at the British Library. As abbot of Silos, Dominic reconstituted its finances and oversaw numerous acts of charity. Known for his work of ransoming Christians from their Muslim captors, Dominic became known for his holiness and healing powers.

Women suffering difficult pregnancies flocked to him for guidance and blessings. His pastoral staff was long used to bless the queens of Spain and was kept at their bedside until be safely delivered of child. One woman, named Juana de Aza, named her son after the abbot. This  Dominic de Guzman - a proponent of the Rosary and a scourge of heretics - became known as St Dominic and the founder of the Dominican order of preachers.

Known for his miracles and healings, St Dominic died on December 10, 1073 at Silos and was canonized but three years later. Many churches and monasteries were dedicated to him. Silos is still a flourishing community today. Several recordings of the monks singing Gregorian chant have been best sellers around the world.


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