Stained glass window from St. Dominic’s Church in Washington, D.C. Photo by Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P.
On August 6, 1221, less than five years after the Holy See formally confirmed the founding of the Order of Preachers, Dominic died in Bologna, the site of one of the Dominicans’ principal university houses and schools of theology. Just before his death Dominic called first all the novices around him and then the oldest members of the Order, to whom he gave his last testament: “Have charity in your hearts,” he said. Practice humility after the example of Jesus Christ, and make your treasure and riches out of voluntary poverty. You know that to serve God is to reign; but you must first serve Him in love and with a whole heart. It is only by a holy life and fidelity to your rule, that you can do honor to your profession.”
By the time of Dominic’s death, some 500 friars had spread as far as Hungary, Denmark, and England. By 1222 they had already reached Kraków, Danzig, and Prague and soon after were preaching the Word in Greece and Palestine. The story of the preachers had begun.
The above excerpt is from Reflections of Dominican Spirituality: The Windows of St. Dominic Church, Washington, D.C. by Dr. Mary Moran.
