How did St. Dominic try to convert the Cathars?

St. Dominic attempted to convert the Cathars by adopting a lifestyle of evangelical poverty and austerity to match the rigor of the Cathar leaders, whom he engaged in public debate. Recognizing that previous efforts by the church had failed, Dominic and his companions traveled barefoot and relied on begging, aiming to demonstrate a more authentic and credible witness to the faith than the often worldly Catholic clergy of the time.12

This approach, which he termed evangelical preaching, was central to his mission in southern France. He also established a convent at Prouille in 1206 to provide a home for women who had been converted from the heresy. Ultimately, Dominic formed the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) to continue this work of counter-ministry through scholarship, preaching, and personal example.213