Getting to Know...Blessed Jordan of Saxony

by Erin Jobes

Blessed Jordan of Saxony was born into a noble family in 1190 near the German town of Dassel. Bl. Jordan traveled to France to pursue his studies at the University of Paris. While a student in Paris, Jordan met the great saint, St. Dominic. Bl. Jordan would later go on to become the next Master General of the Order of Preachers (O.P.) after St. Dominic died.

“In Lombardy, the people and confreres regarded him as a second Dominic. Accordingly, when the provincials and other representatives of the provinces, which were scattered through the greater part of the then civilized world, gathered at Paris, they unanimously elected the subject of our narrative as Master General. This was late in May, 1222. Possibly the only person surprised at the choice was Jordan himself.”

Bl. Jordan was most known for his love Our Blessed Mother. To honor the Most Holy Name of Mary, he composed a little Office of 5 psalms, each of which began with a letter of her name (M – the Magnificat, A – Psalm 120, R – Psalm 119:17-24, I – Psalm 126, A – Psalm 123). He also had a great zeal for the faith and through his preaching convinced St. Albert the Great to join the Order of Preachers. It was often said that mothers would hide their sons when they knew Bl. Jordan was coming because when the sons would hear Bl. Jordan preach they would want to enter the order.

“God blessed him [Jordan] generously with those masterful qualities which enchant and captivate others. Jordan was a charmer of men. He possessed those bedrock virtues, which compel respect and enforce confidence—personal austerity, angelic purity of heart, nobility of soul, an unswerving spirit of justice, heroic forgetfulness of self. Providence enriched his strong mind with the most lovable attractions. His speech was ready and gracious. It scintillated with wit, and was as sharp as a sword. In case of need, it could strike the terror of a clap of thunder. This gift he used with the greatest skill, going straight to the point which he wished to inculcate. Affable and easy of approach, kindly in his ways, ever in good humor (often even jovial), his gentle nature disarmed all wrath. He was an ideal Friar Preacher—a true type of the Order.” --Father Mortier

On February 13th 1237, on his way back to Italy from the Holy Land, his ship wrecked and he died along with several other religious. We celebrate this wonderful blessed on February 13th, and his official patronages are for Dominican vocations and against drowning.

“Jesus was real to Jordan, a Friend whom he’d come to know and love deeply in his life of prayer. Jordan understood the restless hunger of the world around him, and he couldn’t rest until that world would come to know this same Friend.”

Blessed Jordan of Saxony, patron of Dominican vocations, ora pro nobis.