Friar and Priest

Blessed Christopher was born at Milan about 1410.  He dedicated his whole life to itinerant preaching after the example of Saint Vincent Ferrer, OP.  The austerity of his life and zeal for souls led an ancient chronicler to say of him, "He was truly a Christ-bearer, for he carried Christ not only in name, but in his heart and on his lips."  While master of Novices he wrote a treatise On the Service of God for them.

Prayer:
God of all truth, you made Blessed Christopher a faithful herald of your word to the people.  By his life and ministry may we keep Christ ever in our thoughts and in the love of our hearts.

Blessed Alvarez of Córdoba or Blessed Alvarez of Zamora, was born at Zamora, Spain, towards the middle of the fourteenth century. Bl. Alvarez entered the Order in 1368. He preached throughout Spain and Italy and established the priory of Scala Caeli at Córdoba where he promoted the regular life. By his preaching and contemplation of the Lord's Passion he spread the practice of the Way of the Cross throughout the West. He died on February 19, c. 1430.

Prayer:
God of mercy, you endowed Blessed Alvarez with the gifts of penance and divine love.  With the help of his prayers and example may we always bear the suffering of Christ in our bodies and your love in our hearts.

Guido of Vicchio was born in the region of Tuscany in 1386 or 1387 and studied art in Florence while still a young man. Feeling drawn to religious life he entered the Order at the convent of San Domenico in Fiesole. This convent had recently been established as a house of regular observance by Blessed John Dominic whose name he took when he entered. He served as superior of San Domenico, promoted regular observance and handed on the fruits of his contemplation through his paintings for the altars at Fiesole and for the convent of San Marco in Florence. He was called to Rome by Pope Eugene IV to decorate two chapels, one in the Basilica of St. Peter and one in the Vatican. Pope Nicholas V also commissioned him to decorate his private chapel at the Vatican. His work is also found in the convent of San Domenico in Cortona and the cathedral at Orvieto. Pope Eugene IV wished to appoint him archbishop of Florence, but he declined in favor of Saint Antoninus. On February 18, 1455 he died in Rome at Santa Maria sopra Minerva and was buried there. The special quality of his painting earned him the title “Fra Angelico.”

Supplement to the Liturgy of the Hours for the Dominican Order
1991

Friar and Priest
Optional Memorial of the Order

Blessed Nicholas was born at Giovinazzo, near Bari, Italy, in 1197.  While pursuing studies at Bologna, he was drawn to the Order by a sermon of St. Dominic who personally gave him the habit and made him one of his traveling companions.  He was well-known for his preaching throughout the Roman Province and compiled a concordance of sacred scripture.  He died at Perugia in 1256.

From:
Suplement to the Liturgy of the Hours
for the Order of Preachers
Chicago - 1991

Blessed Jordan was born at Burgberg, Westphalia, around the year 1185.