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Street dogs were not allowed...

Illustration
Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Mark 7:24-37
Street dogs were not allowed into Palestinian homes. The dog was not a favorite animal. Children being children in all ages, little dogs found entrance into the home. The symbolism of the dog in folklore is mixed. There is a tradition that considers the dog a symbol of fidelity because of its devotion to its master. The dog is associated with Saint Dominic beause of a prophetic dream of his mother prior to his birth. A dog with a flaming torch in its mouth is often shown near him in paintings. The flame, of course, symbolizes the truth of God that Dominic and the Order he founded would serve.
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