January 22nd 11th century

Saint Dominic of Sora

Founder of monasteries

Feast
January 22nd
Death
1031

Saint Dominic of Sora was a founder of monasteries born in Foligno in the 11th century. Known for his miracles and gift of clairvoyance, he died in 1031 near Sora at the age of 80. He is particularly invoked in the Abruzzo region against snakes and fevers.

Guided reading

4 reading sections

SAINT DOMINIC, OF SORA (1031).

Life 01 / 04

Death and monastic legacy

In 1031, Dominic of Sora died at nearly 80 years of age after having founded numerous monasteries in Campania.

Here is what Leo, Cardinal of Ostia, writes in his chronicles about this Saint:

"This year, 1031, the b lessed Dominic, autho bienheureux Dominique Eleventh-century monk and founder of monasteries. r of countless miracles, founder of many monasteries, emigrated to the Lord, near Sora, a city of Campania , at Sora City in Campania where the saint fulfilled her mission and suffered martyrdom. the age of al most eig Campanie Region of Italy where the exiled bishops landed. hty years, and was buried in the neighboring monastery of Sora, which now bears his name."

Miracle 02 / 04

Miracles and the gift of second sight

The saint manifests his gift of clairvoyance by transforming stolen fish into snakes to punish an unfaithful servant.

The following very characteristic miracle is told of this Saint: Someone had sent him some fish. While on the way, the servant entrusted with the errand hid a portion of them under a tree. The Saint, who possessed the gift of clear sight, advised the servant not to forget upon his return what he had hidden. The servant's confusion turned to terror when, instead of fish, he found only hideous snakes in his hiding place. He was let off with just the fright. But another unfaithful servant who had changed the wine intended for the servant of God into water had to submit to a rigorous penance.

Cult 03 / 04

Popular devotion and iconography

Invoked against reptiles and fevers, the saint is traditionally depicted with snakes, particularly in the Abruzzo region.

The miracle of the fish turned into snakes is recalled in the images of the Saint. Popular devotion in the Abruzz o region Abruzzes Region where popular devotion to the saint is particularly strong. invokes him against these reptiles and against fevers.

Source 04 / 04

Origins and hagiographic sources

Born in Foligno, his life is documented by Cardinals Leo of Ostia and Alberic, as well as in the Acta Sanctorum.

His life was written by Car dinal Alberic. H cardinal Albéric A young nobleman from Beauvais martyred during the same crusade. e was born in Fo ligno. Foligno City where Saint Florent ended his days. See AA. SS., V AA. SS. Monumental hagiographic collection by the Bollandists. ol. III of January, p. 56, new ed.

Official source Les Petits Bollandistes, by Mgr Paul GUÉRIN, chamberlain to His Holiness Pius IX.