| ominguito's martyrdom, done in mockery of Christ's crucifixion | |
| Martyr | |
|---|---|
| Born | Saragossa, Aragon, Spain |
| Died | 1250, Saragossa, Aragon, Spain |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Feast | 31 August |
| Patronage | Altar boys, acolytes, and choirboys |
Saint Dominguito del Val was a choirboy and the alleged victim of a ritual murder by Jews in Saragossa (also known as Zaragoza) in c. 1250. Dominguito's story is related to the blood libel against Jews that grew in prominence in the 12th and 13th centuries of the Middle Ages, and contributed to antisemitic incidents. Saint Dominguito is no longer included on the official Roman Catholic liturgical calendar; however, there is still a chapel dedicated to him in the cathedral of Saragossa. There exists little historical evidence of Dominguito aside from the stories and legends built around him; it is difficult to ascertain how much, if any, his story is true.
According to the story, the Jews of Saragossa plotted to kill every Christian in Saragossa. To accomplish this, they needed a Christian heart. They captured the innocent Dominguito on Good Friday, re-enacted Jesus's trial by Pilate and Caiaphas in celebration with Dominguito as Jesus, then ritually murdered him via crucifixion. Luckily for the Christians, the blackguard sent to finish the ritual stopped by a church for unclear reasons and was found with the boy's heart. He confessed, and all the Jews of Saragossa were executed due to their murderous, and likely fictional, plot.
Dominguito del Val is considered the patron saint of altar boys, acolytes, and choirboys.
[edit] Dominguito's legend
The historical basis for Dominguito is unclear. No medieval references to the legend have been found; the first texts that recount his tale date from the sixteenth century.
Dominguito was born in Saragossa of Aragon and was admitted as a cathedral altar-boy and chorister because of his special qualities of great piety and purity, and for his beautiful voice. Each day he would go from his house to the church to assist in the Mass, to learn chants and study in the parish school. In his journey there and back he had to pass by a Jewish area of narrow side-streets. The Jews were greatly displeased when Domingo and his companions sang hymns to Christ in the streets, and decided to try to make him disappear.
[edit] See also
- Saint Dominic Savio, another patron saint of choirboys and acolytes.
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