The Holy Office of the Inquisition was made a permanent tribunal by Gregory IX., in 1233, twelve years after the death of Dominic, and curiously enough, in the same year in which he was canonized.  The Catholic Bollandists claim that although the title of Inquisitor was of later date than Dominic, yet the office was in existence, and that the splendor of the Holy Inquisition owes its beginning to that saint.  Certain it is that the administration of the Inquisition was mainly in the hands of Dominican monks.

In view of all these facts, Professor Allen is justified in his conclusions respecting Dominic and his share in the persecution of heretics:  “Whatever his own sweet and heavenly spirit according to Catholic eulogists, his name is a synonym of bleak and intolerant fanaticism.  It is fatally associated with the blackest horrors of the crusade against the Albigenses, as well as with the infernal skill and deadly machinery of the Inquisition.”

In 1214, Dominic established himself, with six followers, in the house of Peter Cellani, a rich resident of Toulouse.  Eleven years of active and public life had passed since the Subprior of Osma had forsaken the quietude of the monastery.  He now resumed his life of retirement and subjected himself and his companions to the monastic rules of prayer and penance.  But the restless spirit of the man could not long remain content with the seclusion and inactivity of a monk’s life.  The scheme of establishing an order of Preaching Friars began to assume definite shape in his mind.  He dreamed of seven stars enlightening the world, which represented himself and his six friends.  The final result of his deliberations was the organization of his order, and the appearance of Dominic in the city of Rome, in 1215, to secure the approval of the pope, Innocent III.  Although some describe his reception as “most cordial and flattering,” yet it required supernatural interference to induce the pope to grant even his approval of the new order.  It was not formally confirmed until 1216 by Honorius III.

Dominic now made his headquarters at Rome, although he traveled extensively in the interests of his growing brotherhood of monks.  He was made Master of the Sacred Palace, an important official post, including among its functions the censorship of the press.  It has ever since been occupied by members of the Dominican order.

Throughout his life Dominic is said to have zealously practiced rigorous self-denial.  He wore a hair shirt, and an iron chain around his loins, which he never laid aside, even in sleep.  He abstained from meat and observed stated fasts and periods of silence.  He selected the worst accommodations and the meanest clothes, and never allowed himself the luxury of a bed.  When traveling, he beguiled the journey with spiritual instruction and prayers.  As soon as he passed the limits of towns and villages, he took off his shoes, and, however sharp the stones or thorns, he trudged on his way barefooted.  Rain and other discomforts elicited from his lips nothing but praises to God.