St. Dominic and the Innkeeper*

In 1203, St. Dominic, a canon of the Cathedral of Osma, journeyed with Bishop Diego through the south of France, where they encountered the Albigensian heretics, who erroneously taught that the physical world is evil. This heresy “devalued not only our own humanity, but also Christ’s and the sacramental life of the Church” (Fr. Isidore Clarke, OP).

During their travels, St. Dominic engaged in a long discussion with an innkeeper about the true faith, from early evening until the wee hours of the night. By morning, the innkeeper had recommitted to the Truth, and Dominic had discovered his missionary purpose: to preach the Word of Christ. This all-night debate in Toulouse with the Albigensian innkeeper profoundly impacted St. Dominic, stirring his compassion and revealing the widespread ignorance of the Faith that existed. He recognized the urgent need for preachers who could explain and defend the true faith.

Change of heart often does not happen overnight. However, we should not despair; rather, we must continue preaching and witnessing until heresy is 'out' and the Truth is 'in,' until incredulity is 'out' and the Faith is 'in,' until skepticism is 'out' and the Good News is 'in.'

May we journey with St. Dominic from being an 'innkeeper' to becoming an 'in'-keeper, and keep the faith!