Blessed Jordan of Saxony (c. 1190–1237) was the second Master General of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) and the immediate successor of St. Dominic. Though less widely known than his holy founder, he was instrumental in consolidating and expanding the Dominican Order throughout Europe.
Early Life
Jordan was born in Saxony (modern-day Germany) around 1190. He studied at the University of Paris, one of the greatest intellectual centers of the medieval world. There he encountered the newly founded Dominican Order and met St. Dominic himself.
Deeply moved by Dominic’s holiness and zeal for preaching, Jordan entered the Order around 1220.
Successor to St. Dominic
When St. Dominic died in 1221, Jordan was elected Master General at the second General Chapter of the Order (1222). Though still young, he possessed:
- Great intellectual gifts
- Warm personal charm
- Deep spiritual insight
- Extraordinary ability to inspire vocations
Under his leadership, the Order grew rapidly. He established Dominican houses across Europe, especially in university cities.
Apostle of Vocations
Jordan had a remarkable gift for attracting young men to religious life, especially university students. Many scholars left promising academic careers to follow him into the Order.
He personally traveled across Europe—Paris, Bologna, Oxford, Cologne—preaching, encouraging friars, and strengthening discipline.
It is said that his persuasive preaching won thousands to the Order.
Spiritual Writer
Blessed Jordan is especially known for his biography of St. Dominic:
Libellus de Principiis Ordinis Praedicatorum
(“Little Book on the Beginnings of the Order of Preachers”)
This is the earliest and most important source for the life of St. Dominic. Through this work, Jordan preserved the memory of Dominic’s:
- Simplicity
- Charity
- Austerity
- Zeal for souls
- Love of poverty
Without Jordan, much of what we know about St. Dominic would have been lost.
His Spiritual Character
Jordan was known for:
- Cheerfulness and kindness
- Deep humility
- Strong devotion to religious obedience
- Firm yet gentle leadership
He combined intellectual rigor with warmth of heart — a model Dominican.
Death
In 1237, while returning from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Jordan’s ship sank off the coast of Syria. He drowned along with several companions.
He was about 47 years old.
Beatification
He was beatified in 1826 by Pope Leo XII.
His feast day (in the traditional Dominican calendar) is February 13.