Dominic of Evesham facts for kids
Dominic of Evesham was an important prior (a kind of leader) at Evesham Abbey in England during the Middle Ages. He was also a writer who created many religious texts. Dominic was likely from England and became a monk at Evesham by 1104. By 1125, he had become the prior of the abbey. He is best known for his religious writings, especially one about the miracles of the Virgin Mary, which was very important for other writers later on. We still have four of his works today.
Dominic's Life
We don't know a lot of details about Dominic's early life. He was probably born in England sometime before the year 1077. It's thought he grew up near Evesham Abbey.
Dominic became a monk at Evesham Abbey by 1104. His name shows up in a document from that time, proving he was part of the abbey. Sometime before 1125, he became the prior of the abbey. This means he was a senior leader, helping to manage the monastery. He was still the prior after 1130. He was replaced as prior by 1150. Evesham Abbey remembered his death every year on October 11th.
Dominic's Writings
Dominic definitely wrote four main books:
- Vita Sancti Egwini (Life of Saint Egwin)
- Vita Sancti Odulfi (Life of Saint Odulf)
- Acta Proborum Virorum (Deeds of Good Men)
- A collection of miracles of the Virgin Mary, called Miracula Beatae Virginis Mariae (Miracles of the Blessed Virgin Mary).
The Vita Sancti Egwini was a history of Egwin, who founded Evesham Abbey. This book became the main source for information about Saint Egwin during the later Middle Ages. The Vita Sancti Odulfi told the story of Saint Odulf, a missionary whose holy relics were kept at Evesham. The Acta Proborum Virorum was a collection of stories and legends connected to Evesham Abbey.
Dominic's book about the miracles of the Virgin Mary was one of the first of its kind. It was a very important book that influenced later writers, like William of Malmesbury. Dominic's collection, along with similar works by others, helped start a new type of religious writing. These writings focused on showing devotion to the Virgin Mary herself.
Dominic seemed most interested in writing miracle stories, especially those linked to his own abbey. His writing style was clear and well-written.
Old Books and Copies
Dominic's works can be found in several old manuscripts (handwritten books). These include books kept at Bodleian Library, Hereford Cathedral, Balliol College, and Trinity College in Dublin. The Dublin book only has the first part of the Life of Saint Egwin, but the Hereford book has both parts. The Dublin book also contains the Miracles of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Life of Saint Odulf and Deeds of Good Men are known from copies made by another writer named Thomas of Marlborough.
Some of Dominic's writings were published in a collection called the Rolls Series in 1863. The Life of Saint Egwin was also published in a journal called Analecta Bollandiana, which studies the lives of saints.
