St Dominic de Guzman -- 1170-1221

Blessed Jane of Aza, the mother of St. Dominic had a dream before Dominic was conceived in which she saw a dog with a lit torch in its mouth which lit the world on fire. This vision was later to be fulfilled in the preaching of Dominic and the Order of Preachers. In 1203 Bishop Diego of Osma requested that Dominic, a priest of Osma, accompany him on a diplomatic mission. This mission led them through the south of France where they first encountered the Albigensians or Cathars, proponents of a heretical spirituality, denying the goodness of material creation and the human body. Dominic’s encounter with the heretics inspired him to gather a team of preachers to call the people back to Christian faith and values. He founded a convent of nuns from early women converts. Approval of the brotherhood was soon granted by the Pope. Today the Dominican family is composed of priests and brothers, contemplative nuns, active sisters, and lay Dominicans dedicated to the Order’s mission: to praise, to bless and to preach.

Dominic is shown with a star (5 pointed, usually an 8 pointed) over his head, a walking staff, a book with the words: “Vade et praedicare"-- go and preach, and wearing the rosary.

The middle panel is the image of the dog and the torch. Sometimes the dog is portrayed as bearing the torch in his teeth.

A crown of sanctity and the Dominican fleur-de-lis shield is found in each of the saints windows