St. Dominic Offers Himself as Ransom

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

A second example of Dominic’s heroic charity occurred while he was still a student in Palencia. To secure the freedom of a man held in slavery by the Moors, Dominic, whose funds had been exhausted during the time of the famine, offered to sell himself as ransom for the prisoner. Although the slave traders rejected his proposal, Dominic’s efforts are a reminder of the profound importance of charity in Christian living and serve as a template for the church today as it conducts its works of charity and social justice.

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

The Dominican friars are called to preach the Gospel in every age and in every place it is needed. Through preaching, teaching, pastoral ministry, and the formation of new friars, they work to bring the truth of Christ to a world searching for meaning and hope.

Reflections like this one are made possible because of the faithful support of friends like you. Your generosity helps sustain the friars in their mission to proclaim the Gospel, serve the Church, and form future preachers of the faith.

Support the preaching mission of the Dominican friars and help ensure that the light of the Gospel continues to reach hearts for generations to come.