THE DEATH OF DOMINIC

Dominic filled the last six weeks of his life, following the second general chapter, with intense preaching throughout Lombardy.

When he returned to Bologna at the end of July, he was burning with fever. He died on the feast of the Transfiguration, 6th August, 1221.

He had planned so wisely, governed so prudently, and structured the Order’s government so well, that the Order could survive without him. He was laid to rest under the feet of his brethren in the chapel at Bologna.

Pope Gregory IX canonized him on July 3, 1234, comparing him as he did so to the apostles and to the great founders, Benedict, Bernard, Francis. His flame has never gone out.