Saint Dominic de Guzman, also known as Dominic of Osma and Dominic of Caleruega, was born in 1170 in Calaruega, Burgos, Old Castile, in Spain. He was the son of Blessed Joan of Aza, who had difficulty conceiving and prayed to Saint Dominic of Silos, the patron saint of fertility. When she became pregnant, Joan named the child Dominic in honor of the saint. During her pregnancy, Joan had a vision in which she saw her unborn child as a dog carrying a torch in its mouth, symbolizing the fire he would ignite in the world. This vision later became a symbol for the religious order he founded, the Dominicans. At Dominic's baptism, Joan also witnessed a star shining from his chest, which became another symbol associated with him and led to his patronage of astronomy. Dominic studied philosophy and theology at the University of Palencia and eventually became a priest. He served as a canon of the cathedral in Osma, Spain, and was aligned with the Augustinian order. Throughout his life, Dominic worked for clerical reform and had a special apostolate among heretics, particularly the Albigensians in France. He collaborated closely with Blessed Peter of Castelnau in his efforts to combat heresy and promote the true faith. In 1215, Dominic founded the religious order known as the Order of Friars Preachers, or the Dominicans. The order adopted a simple and austere way of life, dedicated to preaching and teaching the Gospel. Dominic also founded an order of nuns who were committed to the care and education of young girls. He was a close friend of Saint Amata of Assisi. At one point in his mission, Dominic became discouraged by the lack of progress in combating heresy. However, he received a vision from the Blessed Virgin Mary who showed him a wreath of roses, symbolizing the rosary. Mary instructed Dominic to say the rosary daily, teach it to others, and assured him that through its devotion, the true faith would ultimately triumph. Though the rosary predated Dominic, he played a significant role in popularizing and spreading devotion to it. Saint Dominic was renowned for his miraculous abilities. Numerous accounts speak of his miraculous interventions, including the resurrection of four individuals. Legend also tells of a vision in which Dominic saw a beggar who would do great things for the faith. He recognized the beggar as Saint Francis of Assisi, and the two saints became friends. Dominic embraced Francis and declared that together, they would be unstoppable against any earthly power. In representations of Saint Dominic, he is often depicted carrying a rosary and a tall cross, symbolizing his devotion to the rosary and the sacrifice of Christ. Other symbols associated with him include a lily, representing purity, and a dog with a globe, symbolizing the mission of the Dominicans to set the world on fire with the truth of the Gospel. His representation may also include a star shining above his head, reflecting his patronage of astronomy. Saint Dominic de Guzman passed away at noon on August 6, 1221, in Bologna, Italy. He was canonized on July 13, 1234, by Pope Gregory IX in Rieti, Italy. He is the patron saint of astronomers, astronomy, falsely accused people, scientists, the Dominican Republic, and several locations including Araxá, Diogo de Vasconcelos, Dom Joaquim, São Domingos do Prata, Ubaporanga in Brazil; Augusta in Italy; and Burgos in Spain. He is also venerated in various other places and communities such as Batanes-Babuyanes, Philippines; Bayombong, Philippines; Picpus Fathers; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Santo Domingo Indian Pueblo; and Valletta, Malta. Saint Dominic de Guzman is remembered for his devotion to preaching, combating heresy, spreading the rosary, and his profound impact on the development of the Dominican order.
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