Today is the memorial of Bl. Dominic Spadafora (d. 1541) on the Traditional calendar, but is now observed earlier on 3 October in the current Dominican calendar.
Oddly, we know of nothing that is outstanding of his life. He appears to have been happy with complete obscurity. In 1493 he was sent to found the Our Lady of Grace convent in Monte Cerigone. The convent was never thought to be important and was not very large. He remained there for the rest of his life, being zealous in his observance of the rule immediatly to his death. He died at the age of 90 singing the Salve Regina with his community around him.
Dominican First Vespers:
Ant. Strengthen by holy intercession, O Dominic , confessor of the Lord, those here present, have we who are burdened with the weight of our offenses may be relieved by the glory of thy blessedness, and may by thy guidance attain eternal rewards.
V. Pray for us, Blessed Dominic
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
In the English translation of the official Martyrology of the Sacred Order of Friars Preachers (Dominican Martyrology), here are some of the martyrs of note remembered today:
In Africa, four thousand nine hundred and sixty-six confessors
and martyrs in the Vandal persecution under the Arian King Hunneric. Some were
bishops of the Churches of God, some were priests and deacons, while the rest
were multitudes of the faithful. Because of their adherencc to the Catholic
religion, they were driven into a horrible desert. Many were cruelly treated by
the Moors, by being compelled to run at spearpoint, and by being stoned. Others
had their feet tied together and were dragged like corpses through rough and
stony places until torn limb from limb. All, tortured in diverse ways, finally
gained martyrdom. Chief among them were the noble priests of God, Bishop Felix
and Bishop Cyprian.
At Milan, St. Monas, bishop. When the question of electing a bishop
was being discussed,. he was surrounded by a light from heaven and by that
wondrous sign was received as the bishop of that church.
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