In the far corner of Saint Peter’s Basilica, in a niche along the wall with the other founders of religious orders, stands a statue of Saint Dominic. Dating from the year 1706 and carved by Pierre le Gros the Younger, the famous Saint stands tall and imposing, though somewhat out of the way and difficult to spot if you’re not looking for him.

Outside of fervent Catholics and the Dominicans themselves, Saint Dominic is not that well known, especially compared to his fellow founder and contemporary, Saint Francis of Assisi. If people have heard of Dominic, it is usually because of his order rather than because of Dominic himself. Yet a closer look reveals that, though his fame may be small, his humility is immense.

Dog of the Lord

Examining the statue in Saint Peter’s Basilica more closely, observers will notice a small dog at Dominic’s feet that is carrying a torch in its mouth. When she was pregnant with Dominic, his mother, Blessed Jane, dreamt that she gave birth to a dog carrying a torch in its mouth, which set fire to the whole world. Some speculate that this is where Dominic’s name comes from—the Latin Domini cani—dog of the Lord.

To be called a “dog” is not always a kind comparison. Dogs are considered lower animals; loyal, though perhaps a tad unintelligent. Yet ask any Dominican, and they will tell you they wear this strange title with pride. After all, the dream came true, and all the world was set on fire through the preaching and work of Saint Dominic, humble dog of the Lord.

Beg for Your Bread

Dominic was originally an Augustinian canon before leaving to found his own order in 1203, not in pursuit of fame, but to fill a need. While on a diplomatic trip to Southern France, Dominic encountered the Albigensians, who believed that the human soul is trapped within the body. This belief translated into one of two extremes: Either they embraced hedonism, reasoning that the body was evil anyway, or they practiced severe asceticism, fasting and punishing the body.

Missions to evangelize these people had largely failed, mainly because the missionaries retained the rich dress of the clergy at the time. Dominic approached the matter differently. He founded an order of mendicant preachers—simple beggars, who walked wherever they went and preached the truth of the Gospel in humility. 

Mendicant orders such as the Dominicans and Franciscans were often looked down upon by those used to the wealthier Benedictines and Augustinians. But Saint Dominic believed that truth was best preached in humility. His brothers did not even pay to dye their habits, leaving them as white as the marble in Saint Peter’s, with only a black penitential cape. The dog of the Lord founded his order on humility, seeking to serve, and through service, to save souls.

Humility is Truth

Humility, true humility, is knowing the truth of who you are before God. Dominic’s mottos for his order reflect this understanding. Dominicans have three main sayings by which they live: 

• Veritas, or truth
• Contemplare et contemplata aliis tradere, or contemplate and give to others the fruits of your contemplation
• Laudare, benedicere, praedicare, or to praise, to bless, to preach

Dominic preached the truth—veritas—but believed he could only do so after spending time in contemplation—contemplare. Truth comes from God, and without time devoted to prayer and meditation—praising and blessing—the preaching would be in vain. For this reason, Dominic emphasized prayer, self-examination, and study to his brethren.

His statue in Saint Peter’s Basilica also clutches a book in one hand, representing either the Bible or the Rule of Saint Augustine. Both books served as main authorities for his order, reflecting Dominic’s humility to divine inspiration and the genius of Saint Augustine.

Beneath the Feet of the Brethren

Dominicans as an order are often more memorable than Dominic himself, whose statue remains tucked away in the corner of Saint Peter’s. Yet this is exactly how Saint Dominic would have wanted it. He considered himself the servant to all, and upon his deathbed, requested that he be buried beneath the feet of his brethren. The word humility comes from the Latin humus—or earth. By asking to be buried beneath his brothers’ feet, Dominic embraces the humus—the humble earth. 

Even today, Dominicans bury their dead beneath the floor, often between the choir stalls so that the brothers process over them while singing the Salve Regina every night. When they pray for the dead, it is customary for a brother or sister to bless the floor where their sleeping brethren rest.

Set the World on Fire

Though Saint Dominic has since been raised from beneath the floor and put in a place of honor in Bologna, he remains, in a sense, beneath his brethren—not forgotten by them, but supporting them and interceding for them before the throne of God.

It was the Dominican Saint Thomas Aquinas who wrote the Summa Theologica. Dominicans helped found universities across Europe to educate the students of the world. It was the fiery Dominican Saint Catherine of Siena who brought the Pope back to Rome from Avignon. 

So yes, Dominic’s statue remains somewhat hidden in the back of Saint Peter’s, just as he would probably prefer. Yet for those who know where to find him, he stands steady and tall, pointing the way to God, and modeling true humility.