The 2nd of August is the feast day of Saint Joan of Aza (c.1135 – 4 August 1205). She is also known as Juana de Aza, Joanna or Juana of Aza. She is the mother of Saint Dominic.
She was born into a noble family in Spain and was married to a nobleman at a young age. They had five children altogether and she was well known for her piety, prayer life and generosity to the poor. Her two sons became priests and she went to the church of Saint Dominic Silos, known to be a miracle worker and is the patron saint of pregnant women, to pray for another son who would be able to carry on the family’s name. She dreamt that she will have a son who would be a shining light to the Church. She dreamt a dog with a torch in its mouth lept from her womb, setting the world on fire. She indeed gave birth to a son and gave him the name of Dominic in gratitude. She brought him to the altar of Saint Dominic Silos and offered him to God. When he was baptised, his godmother witnessed a star shining from his forehead. Dominic grew up with great sanctity and virtue. When he turned 7 years old, Saint Joan gave him to be educated as a priest, leaving the family without a heir. Saint Dominic founded the Order of Preachers or the Dominicans, also known as the “Hounds of the Lord,” a preaching order against heresy and defending the Catholic faith.
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| Juana de Aza with her son St Dominic |
