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BL. JOANNA OF AZA, MOTHER OF SAINT DOMINIC - 2 AUGUST

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN AUGUST

Saints celebrated on the 2nd of August

BLESSED JOANNA OF AZA, MOTHER OF SAINT DOMINIC

Blessed Joanna of Aza (Johanna), mother of Saint Dominic [Guzman], the founder of the Order of Preachers, had two more pious sons with her husband Felix. These were Antonius, a priest in a hospital who cared for the sick in body and soul, and Mamez (Manes), who is listed in the Elenchus* as Mamertus on March 11. The Martyrology of the Order of Preachers* features him as Blessed Mannes on July 30, specifying that he belonged to the Cistercians. 

According to Migne*, Blessed Joanna de Aza (Asa, Axa) was born around the middle of the 12th century in the Spanish bishopric of Osma. Because of her and her sons' virtues, she was commonly called "the holy woman" or "the mother of the saints." The words of the apostle proved themselves in her: "If the root is holy, so are the branches" (Romans 11:16). 

Towards the end of the 12th century she died in Calaroga, the place where she had given birth to Saint Dominic. In 1350 her relics were raised and transferred to the Dominican monastery of Planefiel. Later a chapel was built there in her honour. 

The 500-year veneration of Blessed Joanna was confirmed at the request of King Ferdinand VII of Spain, and in 1828 Pope Leo XII set her festival on August 2. (Mg.)

Blessed Joanna is also commemorated on August 4 and May 9.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 3, Augsburg, 1869, pp. 190-191)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of the blessed Joanna may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

⬅️ More information about Blessed Joanna







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