Saint dominic: our founder

* There are several varieties of Saint Dominic statues to be found. Some do not show all of the components listed below. 

The black and white habit is attributed to the Dominicans. The colors may be considered symbolic with the color white denoting purity etc., with the black denoting mortification and penance. 

St. Dominic is often depicted holding a rosary. According to legend, Our Lady handed the Most Holy Rosary to Dominic to combat the Albigensian heresy in southern France during 1170-121. It symbolizes St. Dominic's desire to make Christ known to the pagans. His devotion to the Rosary led to its popularization as a powerful prayer tool in the Church.

The Star is attributed to the light that appeared on St. Dominic’s head during his baptism. With this, St. Dominic is also called The Light of the Church or “Lumen Ecclesiae”. (not shown on this statue)

Symbolizes the purity of life: Chastity. (not shown on this statue)

The crucifix symbolizes the designation of St. Dominic as a preacher, a preacher of grace. (not shown on this statue) 

The book and staff are attributed to the visions commissioned to him by St. Peter and St. Paul which is to “Go and Preach” with the book symbolizing the letters of St. Paul. Seeing the book and the staff would mean the Constitutions of his order and his formal designation as the founder. (staff not shown on this statue) 

The image comes from a story about Saint Dominic's mother, Blessed Jane of Aza, before Dominic was born. According to tradition, she dreamed of a dog leaping from her womb, carrying a flaming torch in its mouth. In the dream, the dog ran across the earth, setting it ablaze. When she shared the dream, a holy monk interpreted it as a sign that her son would set the world on fire—not with destruction, but with the light of Christ’s truth. He told her that it meant the child she was carrying in her womb was destined to become a great preacher who would set the world on fire with his words.   

The Latin nickname sometimes given to the order, Domini canes (“Hounds of the Lord”), plays on this imagery. Like faithful hounds, the Dominicans were to guard the faith and carry the light wherever it was needed, like a relentless messenger carrying the flame of the Gospel into every corner of the world.