For all the saints who from their labors rest,who Thee by faith before the world confessed; Thy name,Jesus,be forever blest.Alleluia, Alleluia!
But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day; the saints triumphant rise in bright array; the King of glory passes on his way. Alleluia, Alleluia!
From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, and singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost: Alleluia, Alleluia!
Service Well-Pleasing to God, let mutual love continue. Hebrews 13:1
"Behold, my children, the heritage I leave you:have Charity for one another, guard Humility, make your treasure out of voluntary Poverty."
St. Dominic's Last Will and Testament
I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. John 13:34
St. Dominic is the creator of the Dominican order, officially recognized by the Church in 1216. Before the work of Dominic de Guzman, the priests were a more monastic, secluded group, with little contact and work with the masses. According to The Life of St. Dominic, "they and others were poorly instructed, When the Church sought to give direction to their movement, they rebelled and fell into schism and heresy." Dominic believed deeply in the conversion of sinners and the graces of God. By following the examples of the apostles, he was committed to fixing the errs within the Church and prophesying out to the people. Each friar was to follow the Rule of St. Augustine by following all diet, fasting laws and possessing no property, as well as being tied to a parish offering ministry work, focusing on liturgical prayer, rather than a choral life.
My knowledge of St. Dominic is he was gifted the rosary from Our Lady. If St. Dominic believed fully in the power of grace, it makes sense he was the receiver. While Dominic struggled with the conversion of Albigenses (a heretical sect), Mary came to tell him his work was not in vain and 'preach my Psalter composed of 150 Angelic Salutations and 15 Our Fathers, and you will obtain an abundant harvest.' Upon hearing this, Dominic reflected and prayed on the 15 mysteries of Our Lord with the Albigensians, finding great success in their conversion. Since, the Rosary has become the Church's weapon against heresy, providing salvation for Dominicans and beyond.
Question/Reflection: St. Dominic used the Rosary to intercede specifically with the Albigenses. Where do your intentions go? Pray actively during this Advent for the conversion of someone close to you.
Lord, Let the holiness and teaching of Saint Dominic come to the aid of your Church. May he help us now with his prayers as he once inspired people by his preaching. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
To Jesus through Mary-Michelle Spalla
