Stained glass window from St. Dominic’s Church in Washington, D.C. Photo by Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P.

At about the age of fourteen Dominic began studying in Palencia, then the only flourishing center of higher learning in Castile. There he devoted himself to the study of theology and philosophy and became known for his quick, inquisitive mind as well as for his ability to put his learning into action. His preaching and debating skills and his concepts of Christian living were undoubtedly formed during these years.

Many aspects of theology would become fundamental to Dominic’s vision for preaching and Christian living: his emphasis on the integration of study and spirituality, his passion for truth, his recognition of all human beings as having been created in the image of God, his compassion for those mired in darkness and despair, and his burning desire to communicate his message. Dominic’s skills in reasoning and logic enabled him to isolate theological error and heresy. He developed an ordered mind, as seen in his disputations and in the organization of his Order. During this time Dominic increasingly turned to prayer and the idea of combining the fruits of contemplation and prayer, a prominent characteristic of the Order. To this day Dominican tradition and spirituality emphasize the role of theology in preaching the Word contained in the Scriptures.

The above excerpt is from Reflections of Dominican Spirituality: The Windows of St. Dominic Church, Washington, D.C. by Dr. Mary Moran.