Blessed Jordan of Saxony
1190-1237

February 13

Jordan was a member of a family of Counts of Saxony, Germany. He studied at the University of Paris where he met the early Dominicans of the Order. He and his friend Henry of Utrecht were deeply touched by the Dominican preachers and decided to enter the Order. On February 12, 1220 they received the habit.

A year later, Jordan was elected the second Master General of the Order in a special chapter of elections after the death of Dominic in 1221. Jordan was very challenged to succeed the Founder Dominic, and he frequently reminded the friars of their responsibility to live the primitive life of the Order. He gathered the Friars together at yearly chapters and visitations and kept the ideal alive and challenged the friars to a generous response.

Jordan was a faith-filled man of prayer and had great devotion to Mary. In 1225 at the community Chapter he succeeded in having the Salve Regina sung in procession as a part of Night Prayer.

Jordan had a pleasing personality which attracted many people to join the order. As a result it caused him to travel a great deal. In the fall of 1236 he went to the Holy Land a place dear to him. In February, 1237, on his way home to Naples with other travelers a severe storm caused the ship to sink, carrying with it all the passengers. It was heart-breaking news for the friars, scattered by this time over all Europe and parts of Asia. His spirit lives on in the lives and various ministries of Dominicans throughout the world.