He was a contemporary of Francis of Assisi, began a preaching order known as the Dominicans. They were distinguished for their missionary endeavors and their efforts in education. Many reports of visions and miracles surround the story of Dominic.
On one occasion, when Napoleon, the son of Lord Cardinal Stephen, fell from his horse and instantly died, Dominic immediately went to the scene, stood before the lacerated corpse, raised his hands to heaven and shouted, "Young man, Napoleon, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I say to thee arise." Before the eyes of all those present, the young man arose and said, "Give me something to eat."9
On a journey through Europe, Dominic and his companions joined with a group of Germans, traveled with them for a time and received their hospitality. Because Dominic did not understand their language, he could not talk to them. On their fourth day together, Dominic reproached himself for being so unconcerned with the eternal needs of his fellow travelers and suggested to his companion that they "kneel down and pray God that He teach us their language for we are not able to announce to them the Lord Jesus."10 God answered their prayer, enabling them to speak to the Germans in their language. Astonished at Dominic's sudden ability to speak their language, the Germans listened intently over a four-day period as Dominic shared the gospel.
9. Francis c. Lehner, Saint Dominic: Biographical Documents, 165-166.
10. Cutten, Speaking With Tongues: Historically and Psychologically Considered, 39.