Roman Catholics will honor on Tuesday, Dec. 20, the memory of a well-loved Spanish Benedictine abbot, Saint Dominic (Santo Domingo) de Silos (1000 – 1073), who remains well venerated in many parts of the world including the Philippines as the patron saint against rabies and of pregnant women and prisoners.
Pilgrims and devotees traditionally gather on his feast day which falls during the Advent season at the numerous churches and monasteries across the world dedicated in his memory, particularly at his major shrine, the Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos in Spain, where his sacred relics are kept.
In the country, special masses will be offered at the Santo Domingo de Silos Parish in Calatagan, Batangas.
Saint Dominic de Guzman, the founder of the Dominican Order, was named after him by his mother after she prayed for a child at his shrine and soon after, conceived a son.