The Order
of Preachers
The Dominican Family
The Dominican Family was founded by St. Dominic de Guzman, a Spanish priest of the Cathedral
at Osma. He was born in Caleruega in 1170. In 1203, "by accident," he began a
new ministry to which he would dedicate the rest of his life and to which he would lead
many other men and women: preaching. The new order was given the title "Order of
Preachers" (O.P. is the designate that you see after a Dominican's name), and their
itinerant style of preaching was sanctioned by the pope. The particular charge to the
Dominicans was to preach against heresy.
In order to preach well against very passionate and knowledgeable
heretics, the Dominicans had to know theology very well. Thus study became a hallmark of
the Order and the prerequisite for the office of preaching. Primary to all activity,
however, is a foundation in prayer. One can't do God's work unless one is in close contact
with God. The Dominican motto: To Pray, To Bless, and To Preach grew out of the
basic commitment to apostolic ministry. Because human beings need to be encouraged and
supported, community life became a priority for Dominicans. They went out and worked; then
they came home and were renewed by prayer and conversation in community. The men and women
of the Dominican Family all share the same priorities: prayer, contemplation, community,
study, preaching.
The Dominican Family Has Several Branches
In the Dominican Order there are several branches, all adhering
to the same major goal (preaching) and the same priorities, all living in the same spirit
and charism of St. Dominic. And all have produced many recognized saints. They are Friars
(brothers, priests), Laity, Nuns, and Sisters. Although independent of one another in
structure, all branches are united by the Master of the Order, a Dominican priest who
oversees all branches, even those in which he has no direct jurisdiction.
The Friars
The Friars, both brothers and priests, profess the vows of
poverty, chastity, and obedience. Brothers and priests share in a common life in the
spirit and charism of St. Dominic and may be involved in a variety of ministries. The
principal difference between brothers and priests is that priests are ordained to
administer the Sacraments as well. Ministries among the Friars include campus ministry,
itinerant preaching, parish ministry, teaching in schools and universities, educational
administration, religious education, authorship, catechetical formation, social work,
psychology, health care, the arts, and household support.
Each Friar, brother or priest, has heard a call to his choice of
dedication. A brother is not a potential priest but one called to be a brother. Many
follow the preaching path, some are ordained permanent deacons, but they don't hear a call
to priesthood. Some hear the call to quieter apostolates of hospitality and solace for
those who seek it, others to very active apostolates. Priests provide for the Sacramental
life of the Church as well. Each, brother or priest, serves in the ministry of preaching
and follows the path to it: prayer, study, and community.
"On duty," the friars often wear the simple white habit
that came down to the family from their Father, Dominic. It is a very distinctive sign of
their commitment and dedication and a symbol of the spirit of St. Dominic, a spirit of
joy, piety, and ministry.
The Laity
From the earliest days of the Order, lay people have been an
intrinsic part of the Dominican Family, gathered for the purpose of praying for the
preachers. Now that education is readily available to all, lay people have a more direct
role in the preaching mission. Many pursue degrees in theology or liturgy. Since Vatican
Council II, the role of the laity in general has expanded greatly, and the Lay Dominicans
have re-examined their vocations in light of Vatican II declarations. Lay Dominicans
preach primarily in the marketplace or wherever their station in life finds them. They
preach by their lives and example, and when opportunity arises, with their voices as well.
The Laity pursue study, particularly in theology, Scripture, and catechesis in order to
preach well when called upon to do so.
Lay Dominicans are not usually distinguishable, as their brother
friars are, but sometimes they wear the black and white cross adapted from the Dominican
crest. The Laity make promises to follow the Rule and Statutes of the Dominican Laity.
They meet in community regularly and participate with the friars, nuns, and sisters, as
well as the Church in general, in praying the Liturgy of the Hours. They engage in active
apostolates such as letter-writing on issues of peace and justice, ministry to the poor,
liturgical ministries, teaching, authorship, and spiritual counseling. They endeavor to
live lives of simplicity and generosity.
The Nuns
Nuns are cloistered Dominican Sisters. Their lives most closely
resemble the communities founded by St. Dominic to pray for the success of the friars'
preaching. The nuns profess solemn vows and usually enter and remain in the same monastery
throughout their lives. Their days are marked by silence, the necessary climate for
contemplation and continuous prayer. Nuns are also authors, supporters of the missions,
and ministers to the poor. They provide spiritual counsel and their monasteries are power
houses of prayer. Many support themselves by producing hosts and vestments for Mass and
other religious articles. The Liturgy of the Hours, as well as Mass and devotions such as
perpetual adoration are the framework of their days.
The Sisters
Sisters are active, vowed religious women who are organized into
individual Congregations, within which they minister as the common apostolate of the
Congregation requires or work in the public or private sector. At the basis of all their
activity is, again, the primary apostolate of preaching, although it may take many forms:
missionary work, teaching, social work, and so on. In common with the other branches of
the Family, Sisters pray the Liturgy of the Hours, observe a regular practice of prayer
and study, and live in community. Some wear the Dominican habit when "on duty,"
just as the Friars do, and some favor modern dress. Some live in community, in convents,
and others live apart but come together often for prayer and sharing, which for all
Dominicans renews them for their ministry.
The Dominicans
For nearly 800 years, Dominicans have made an enormous impact on
the Church and the world. Today's Dominicans carry on a much blessed tradition.
For more information please select from the following:
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Dominican Nuns
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Dominican Sisters
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Dominican Laity
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