Celebrating St. Dominic with Children: A Montessori-Inspired Feast Day

The month of August offers a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the life of St. Dominic de Guzmán, whose feast day falls on August 8. Known for his deep love of truth, dedication to prayer, and service to others, St. Dominic founded the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) to spread the Gospel and defend the faith with clarity and compassion.

At a Montessori school, we guide children in the development of the whole person—spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Celebrating feast days like St. Dominic’s not only honors the Church’s liturgical calendar but also encourages children to reflect on the values that saints exemplify: humility, peace, discipline, and faith.

Here are Montessori-inspired ways to celebrate St. Dominic’s feast day at home or in the classroom, supporting your child's natural curiosity, spiritual development, and sense of wonder.

1. Share the Story of St. Dominic

Begin the day with a quiet moment of storytelling. Children are captivated by true stories, especially those that show the strength of the human spirit. You can simplify St. Dominic’s life story for young children by focusing on these key moments:

• As a boy in Spain, Dominic loved learning and was deeply compassionate.

• During a famine, he sold his books to feed the hungry.

• He founded the Dominican Order to preach truth and live in joyful poverty.

  
  

Montessori extension: Locate Spain and southern France on a map. Invite your child to trace St. Dominic’s travels using a globe or map work.

Suggested children’s books:

• “Stories of the Saints” by Carey Wallace

• “Saint Dominic and the Rosary” by Catherine Beebe

  
  

2. Create a Peaceful Prayer Space

St. Dominic’s life was centered on prayer and contemplation. Encourage your child to help set up a small, peaceful corner for prayer or reflection. Include:

• A cloth in white (symbolizing purity and light)

• A candle (real or battery-operated)

• An image or holy card of St. Dominic

• A small crucifix or statue of Mary (St. Dominic had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother)

You can pray together as a family, either silently or with a short traditional prayer such as:

“St. Dominic, preacher of truth and servant of peace, pray for us.”

3. Explore the Rosary

According to tradition, the Blessed Mother gave the Rosary to St. Dominic as a tool for meditation and evangelization. You can:

• Introduce the Rosary (or a decade) using Montessori-style 3-part cards or real rosary beads.

• Show children how to use one bead for each prayer.

• Reflect on one mystery through simple imagery or storytelling.

This encourages spiritual focus, memory, and a peaceful rhythm of prayer that children find comforting.

4. Make a “Torch of Truth” Craft

One of the symbols of St. Dominic is a torch, representing his mission to spread the light of truth. This makes a perfect hands-on activity for preschool or elementary-aged children.

Materials:

• Paper towel roll or cardboard tube

• Red, yellow, and orange tissue paper (for flames)

• Glue, markers, stickers

  
  

Encourage your child to decorate the torch and talk about how they can “carry the light” through kindness, honesty, and love.

5. Practice Acts of Service

In true Montessori fashion, learning is grounded in real-life experience. Acts of service allow children to connect to the mission of the saints in a concrete way.

Service ideas inspired by St. Dominic:

• Prepare a snack for someone in the family

• Donate gently used toys or books

• Help a younger sibling with a task

• Pray for those in need

These moments help children understand that holiness is lived out through everyday acts of love.

6. Go on a Nature Walk

St. Dominic walked long distances as he preached. A nature walk can be a beautiful, contemplative way to honor his journey and allow children to connect with creation.

Invite your child to:

• Walk quietly and listen to the sounds of nature

• Gather a few small natural objects for a nature altar

• Reflect on what it means to be a “traveler of truth”

  
  

You might even take a moment of silence during the walk to reflect or offer a prayer of gratitude.

7. Sacred Music and Silence

The Dominican tradition embraces the beauty of sacred music. Set aside time to listen to Gregorian chant or hymns that honor Our Lady, such as the Salve Regina.

Music helps children enter into a quiet, contemplative mood and fosters appreciation for sacred tradition. You may also invite your child to practice a moment of silence, using a sand timer or bell to mark the time.

8. Celebrate with Food

Bring the celebration to the kitchen! St. Dominic was Spanish, so a traditional Spanish dish or treat is a great way to mark the occasion.

Feast day ideas:

• Tortilla española (Spanish omelet)

• Pan con tomate (bread with tomato and olive oil)

• Homemade churros with cinnamon and sugar

  
  

Involve your child in the cooking process for a Montessori-aligned practical life experience.

9. Reflect on the Virtue of Truth

St. Dominic dedicated his life to seeking and sharing the truth. Use this day to talk with your child about what truth means:

• How do we speak truthfully?

• Why is honesty important?

• How do we recognize the voice of truth in our hearts?

  
  

Invite them to share a time when telling the truth was difficult but rewarding.

10. End the Day in Gratitude

Close the day with a prayer of thanksgiving:

“Thank you, God, for the life of St. Dominic. Help us to follow his example by loving You, telling the truth, and serving others.”

You can light the prayer candle one last time and give your child space to share their favorite part of the day.

Celebrating St. Dominic’s feast day through Montessori principles means more than crafts and activities—it’s about nurturing the child’s spirit, offering opportunities for reflection, and guiding them to live meaningful, faithful lives.

Whether your celebration is simple or more involved, remember that the goal is to help your child encounter the beauty of the saints and the joy of living a holy life. St. Dominic’s example of truth, compassion, and prayerful dedication is one we can all strive to follow.

St. Dominic, pray for us!