Dominic de Guzmán
c. 1170 – 1221 · Caleruega (Spain) — Toulouse — Bologna
Founder of the Dominicans
Awaiting theological review
In one sentence
A Castilian priest who founded an order of preachers to answer error with study, poverty and the word.
Why this person matters
He joined study and preaching in a new way of religious life.
Historical context
In southern France he preached among the Cathars and founded a community of preachers in Toulouse.
Historical context
Pope Honorius III approved the Order of Preachers in 1216.
Key ideas
- Preaching born of study and contemplation
Why they still matter
Interpretation
The Dominicans gave the Church Thomas Aquinas, Catherine of Siena and many others.
Before
- Gregory the Greatc. 540 – 604
Contemporary
- Francis of Assisic. 1181 – 1226
- Clare of Assisi1194 – 1253
After
- Albert the Greatc. 1200 – 1280
- Historical context
Statements are labelled by source. Early Christian sources are named where known; dates before the 4th century are often approximate.