The Art of Sailing Without a Boat

Br. Cassian Iozzo, O.P., describes how the story of Saint Raymond of Peñafort illustrates Dominican spirituality. According to Iozzo, the saint was held captive on the island of Mallorca by the King of Aragon after rebuking the monarch for keeping a mistress. To escape the king's ban on ships leaving the island, Raymond used his black friar's cape, or cappa, as a sail propped up by a walking staff to sail away from the shore.

Iozzo explains that this story represents a resourceful and bold confidence in God for those who defend the Gospel. He notes that while scripture often uses the sea to symbolize chaos and evil, the Dominican approach avoids both sneaking onto ships or passive resignation. Instead, the Dominican relies on the Holy Spirit to navigate difficult situations and overcome worldly limitations.