December 20: Saint Dominic of Silos, Abbot

Renewer of cenobitic life

Saint Dominic Manso, known as de Silos because of his long residence in the monastery that later took his name, was born around the year 1000 in the small Riojan village of Cañas, in Spain. His childhood was spent among pastures and flocks, yet while tending his family’s sheep he began to develop a deep inner attraction to the sacred life. He was welcomed by the local priest, who took him under his care and gradually shaped his formation. At the age of twenty-six, the Bishop of Nájera ordained him to the priesthood.

After a period of solitary retreat, he presented himself to the Benedictine community of San Millán de la Cogolla, where he completed his studies and was entrusted with the education of young monks. In 1038, Abbot García raised him to the dignity of prior.

Two years later, the Navarrese ruler García demanded a substantial sum from the monastery to finance his military campaigns. Dominic responded with a firm yet respectful refusal. The king’s anger, however, was such that it led to Dominic’s removal from office and exile. Thus, in 1041, he left Navarre and found refuge in Castile, where King Ferdinand took him under his protection.

At that time, the Abbey of San Sebastián de Silos was in disastrous condition; for this reason, Ferdinand entrusted Dominic with the task of restoring it to life. Reconstruction began with the church and then extended to the various communal buildings and the cloister, gradually restoring splendor to a place that had fallen into ruin.

Dominic died on December 20, 1073, leaving behind a work so solid that it endured through the centuries and today has come down to us.