The Life of Saint Dominic

by Augusta Theodosia Drane

There are few biographies of St. Dominic that exist in English, but this is by far the best. For Augusta Theodosia Drane gives here a rendition of his life, his times, his many miracles and the founding of his order that captures the spirit of the Saint that was Dominic Guzman-a man raised up by God to convert heretics, to save countless souls, and to found an order which would send a spritual tidal wave throughout the Church and around the world, one that would be felt down to our own time and that still influences us all today.

The Life of St. Dominic was first published in 1857 in London. The present edition is retypeset from the first part of a two-part work entitled The Life of St. Dominic, with a Sketch of the Dominican Order published by Burns, Oates & Washbourne, c. 1890.

Genres: Biography, Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1857

About the author

In religion MOTHER FRANCIS RAPHAEL, O.S.D.; b. at Bromley near London, in 1823; d. at Stone, Staffordshire, 19 April, 1894. Her parents were both Protestants, her father being managing partner in an East India mercantile house. Her remarkable natural gifts were developed by wide reading at a very early age. In 1837 she moved with her family to Babbicombe, Devonshire, where she read much of the early literature of the Oxford Movement. Burnet's "History of the Reformation", she declared, was the real cause of her conversion. It was not, however, till 1847 that she grew uneasy as to her religious beliefs, whereupon she consulted Keble and Pusey, but without satisfaction. The influence of Maskell, then Vicar of St. Mary Church, helped her more and she confided to him a scheme called "Ideal of a Religious Order". He told her that such an order existed in the Catholic Church, naming the Third Order of St. Dominic. This made a profound impression on her mind and gradually she was drawn to the Church. She was received at Tiverton, 3 July, 1850, and in 1852 entered the Third Order of St. Dominic at Clifton. On 8 Dec., 1853, she was professed at the new convent of Stone, Staffordshire, and was there employed in teaching and in writing various books, meanwhile making great spiritual progress. In 1860 she was appointed mistress of novices, but in 1863 became mistress of studies instead, thus obtaining more leisure for writing. In 1872 she became prioress under her friend, Mother Imelda Poole, and on the death of the latter in 1881 succeeded her as provincial (25 Nov., 1881), thus taking charge of the whole congregation and the convents of Stoke-on-Trent, Bow, and St. Mary Church. Her character was well summed up by Bishop Ullathorne, when he described her as "one of those many-sided characters who can write a book, draw a picture, rule an Order, guide other souls, superintend a building, lay out grounds, or give wise and practical advice with equal facility and success." She continued to grow in remarkable sanctity till her death, which took place a fortnight after she had ceased to be provincial.

Her works include: "The Morality of Tractarianism" (1850), published anonymously; "Catholic Legends and Stories" (1855); "Life of St. Dominic" (1857); "Knights of St. John" (1858); "Three Chancellors, Wykeham, Waynflete and More" (1859); "Historical Tales" (1862); "Tales and Traditions" (1862); "History of England for Family Use" (1864); "Christian Schools and Scholars" (1867); "Biographical Sketch of Hon. H. Dormer" (1868); "Songs in the Night" (1876); "New Utopia" (1876); "History of St. Catherine of Siena" (1880); "History of St. Dominic" (1891); "The Spirit of the Dominican Order" (1896), and some smaller pieces. She translated the "Inner Life of Père Lacordaire" (1868), edited a "Life of Mother Margaret Mary Hallahan" (1869), "Archbishop Ullathorne's Autobiography" (1891), and "Letters of Archbishop Ullathorne" (1892).

Reviews

[Manny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent biography of the famous saint which includes many of the events that led to the institution of the Order of Preachers, otherwise unofficially known as the Dominican Order, and the early members that shaped what is probably the most intellectual of all the religious orders. The book has a nice mix of solid historical facts and what I would say are hagiographic facts (super natural miracles), which I guess you can believe or not. Augusta Theodosia Drane’s prose is quite good though at times reflects the Victorian style – originally published in 1857 – of her day. What she captures most is the humility of the saint – he refused to have the order named after himself – and the sort of magnetic attraction his followers had for him. It is sometimes said St. Dominic “befriended” an order rather than found it. The explosion of Dominican friars after the 1216 founding is remarkable and can be attributed to St. Dominic himself on the strength of his humble charisma. And St. Dominic understood the dire need for a religious order that would engage the general population, preach the Word, and evangelize the fallen away. We are in such a need today. Not as much is known of St. Dominic as for instance his contemporary and counterpart, St. Francis of Assisi, but what is known Drane skillfully weaves into a narrative.

[Francis E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful biography of the life of St. Dominic! In this book one can learn about St. Dominic’s life of study, prayer, penance, and preaching. The author includes many stories of Dominic’s journeys, miracles, and actions in regards to the Order. St. Dominic converses with St. Francis on multiple occasions, and has close tie to the pope. Highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to know more about the life of St. Dominic.

[Gerald Greene]

Very helpful book. I didn't know the role he played with regard to the use of the Rosary.

[Fr. Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was beautiful!! Profoundly impacting.

Warning though! It is not all true - there are common "legends" like St. Francis and St. Dominic meeting, which modern scholars don't see as having happened. For an up-to-date biography, see Saint Dominic: The Grace of The Word by Fr. Guy Bedouelle.