(circa 1170-1221)
Patron of scientists and astronomers and founder of the Dominican Order

Dominic was born in Spain to wealthy parents. Before he was born, his mother had a vision of her son as a dog with a torch in his mouth that would set the world on fire. This would become the symbol of the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans), which he later founded. He and the Dominican friars lived a simple life and fought against heretics. When Dominic became discouraged with his mission, he had a vision of Our Lady who told him to

pray the rosary daily and teach it to all.