Dominic de Guzman was born August 8, 1170, and died August 6, 1221. He was born near Caleruega, Spain.  There is a story told about Saint Dominic that as he walked from place to place, he either “spoke to God or about God.”

Saint Dominic was attracted to ministry in the Church, and often walked long distances between Spain, France, and Italy. His conversations with and about God led him to find his identity as a preacher.  During one of his extended travels, Dominic met an innkeeper, with whom he engaged in a night-long conversation about the things of God. As the sun rose the next morning, the innkeeper was converted, and the mission of the Dominican Order began.

Dominic felt compelled to speak of God with whomever he met. Many were drawn not only to Dominic’s preaching about God’s word, but also to Dominic’s life of prayer and his conversations with God. He became known as a Dominican preacher and the Founder of the Order of Preachers.

Although Dominic was ordained and spoke of God from the Church pulpit during liturgy, he also set an example for his followers by preaching from the pulpit of his own life.  Because of the way Dominic lived his life, women and men sought to join him, to live as contemplative preachers and friends of God.

Today, those who express a Christian belief system must be aware that their life is a form of preaching and be mindful of these questions:

• Do I live and behave in ways that align with the beliefs I express? 
• Do I preach authentically from the pulpit of my life?
• Is my behavior consistent with my speech? 
• As I read and reflect on the Scriptures and stories of Jesus' life, do my actions and behaviors align with His? 
• My speech may align with Jesus’s speech, but does my behavior?

Are you ready to set aside time for a conversation with God about your vocation and how God may be calling you to live your life?  We invite you to join us for two discernment opportunities: click here to learn about our one-day Zoom event on Saturday, July 19, 2025, and our September 12-14, 2025, weekend retreat at our Motherhouse in Columbus, Ohio.