December 20, 2021

St. Dominic of Silos (1000 - 1073) was a Benedictine abbot and defender of the faith. Born in Canas, Navarre, Spain, he entered the Benedictines at San Millan de Ia Cogolla. King Garcia III of Navarre challenged him when he became abbot of the monastery, and Dominic refused to surrender part of the Benedictine lands to the crown. For this he was exiled, going to King Ferdinand I of Castile and Leon, who made him abbot at St. Sebastian Abbey at Silos, now called St. Dominic's. Dominic reformed the abbey, built the cloisters in Romanesque style. One of the most beloved saints in Spain, Dominic also rescued Christian slaves from the Moors. Dominic was also noted for miracles of healing.

St. Dominic please pray for healing and protection from animals and insects, viruses and germs of all kind.

Patron of: Against rabies; against rabid dogs; against insects; captives; pregnant women; prisoners; shepherds.