St. Dominic, [1170 - 1221] is well-known as the founder of the Order of Preachers, more commonly known as the Dominicans. He, and of course St. Dominic Savio are the two best known saints by this name.

But there is another St. Dominic, St. Dominic of Silos, who lived from 1005 to 1073. He was a Benedictine Abbot who worked many miracles during his life and after his death.

While he is less known than the other two, it is probable that neither of them would be known by that name if it weren’t for him.

Less than a hundred years after his death, St. Dominic of Silos appeared to a woman named Joan of Aza. He told her that she would give birth to a son. This son was none other than the great Dominic who founded the Order of Preachers, and to whom our Blessed Mother gave the Most Holy Rosary.

Because St. Dominic of Silos had foretold the birth of the saint that founded their order, the Dominicans had a beautiful custom that was maintained for nearly seven hundred years. When the queens of Spain were in labor, about to deliver a child, the staff of the abbot of Silos would be brought to the bedside. And there it remained until the birth took place.