Blessed John Dominic
1350-1420

June 10

In the Dominican Family one experiences a uniqueness and variety. It is not surprising that this individuality is clearly evident in the Dominican Family of Saints.

One such individual was Blessed John Dominic. Coming from a poor family, with little education and suffering from a speech impediment, John would seem an unlikely candidate for the Order of Preachers. But, following the prompting's of the Spirit, rather than the advice of others, John persevered in his desire to become a member of the Dominican Order.

He was finally admitted into the Novitiate and proved himself such an extraordinary student that he was sent to Paris for advanced studies in Theology and Sacred Scripture. As an ordained priest his vocation was that of preacher. However, his superiors were concerned about his speech impediment. How could he be sent out to preach in public?

In all simplicity, John sought the assistance of a great Dominican, St. Catherine of Siena, who had recently died. He prayed that through her intercession he would be cured. The impediment disappeared and John went out joyfully to preach. His own holiness and fervor attracted other young people to the Order. Among them were Fra Angelico and his brother Benedetto, two of the most gifted young artists in Italy.

Appointed Cardinal in 1407, John endured difficult days as confessor to the Pope. Due to the schism, there were two who claimed the papacy, and then three claimants. Through John's diplomacy and counsel, the three withdrew their claims and a new candidate was elected.

John's life was a life of holiness and of great influence in the Church and in the Dominican Order. The Pope sent him to preach against heresy in Hungary. It was there that John fell ill and died on June 10, 1420. He was beatified in 1837.

The life of John Dominic evidenced the power of God's grace. John's gifts and talents far overshadowed any limitations. His simple trust in God and his perseverance are a source of inspiration to Dominicans and to all people.