Jordan of Saxony was a 13th-century German priest and a prominent leader within the Dominican Order. Born into the noble Counts of Eberstein family, he studied in Paris, where he encountered Dominic de Guzman. Following the founder's death, Jordan was elected as the second Master General in 1222. During his leadership, the Order expanded significantly through his influential preaching and academic engagement. He was known for being a kind yet disciplined leader who actively recruited scholars and helped establish several educational institutions throughout Europe.
Life and leadership
After joining the Order in 1220, Jordan served as the Prior Provincial of Lombardy. As Master General, he grew the organization to over 300 priories and added four new provinces. He was a skilled educator, securing university chairs for his Order and assisting in the founding of the University of Toulouse. A prolific writer, he authored the first narrative history of the Dominican foundation and a biography of Dominic. He died in 1237 following a shipwreck near the Syrian coast.
Veneration and legacy
The Catholic Church beatified Jordan in 1825. He is recognized as the patron of Dominican vocations and serves as a patron for specific educational institutions in Manila and Bogota. He is also credited with introducing the tradition of singing the Salve Regina during processions to provide spiritual comfort to the brothers.