Dominic of Silos (c1000-1073), to be distinguished from St Dominic the founder of the Black Friars who was named after him, is one of the most popular saints in Spain.
He is also an example of the remarkable possibilities open to low-born talent in the medieval Church. For Dominic was the son of a peasant who lived at Cañas in Navarre; as a boy he looked after the family’s flocks in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Perhaps this work developed his love of peace and solitude. At any rate, he decided to become a monk at the monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla, in La Rioja area, which came under the Diocese of Burgos. Dominic rose rapidly to the position of prior.
