Born in 1172 at  Caleruega , Spain.

Made canon of Osma, in 1206 his is sent on missionary work with his bishop Diego. While travelling through Languedoc he is seized with compassion for the souls in distress because they are exposed to the pervading Cahare heresy and he decides to devote the rest of his life to the predication of the Gospel.

In 1215, he founds the first convent of the Preachers in Toulouse.

In 1216, Pope Honorius III confirms the order of the Preachers. "Veritas" (Truth) an "contemplarie et contemplata allis tradere" (contemplate and tell what the word we have contemplated) are the mottos of this new order.

In 1221, Saint Dominique dies in Bologne.

When praying Dominic would cry out "My God, my divine mercy, what will happen to the sinners ?" This compassion and this passion for the salvation of the world will guide the whole life of his disciples.

The witnesses at the hearing for Saint Dominic's canonisation all kept repeating that he was humble, gentle, patient, and  cheerful, a binger of peace and a comforter to all. And Jordan, his successor, concludes with the words : "He welcomed everyone with his warm heart and because he loved everyone, everyone loved him". What a beautiful programme for his followers ! (cf.A short life of Saint Dominique by Marc Joulin.)