Our Family is Centered on the Word of God
Men and women of the Order
of Preachers, the Dominicans, have been on mission in
the United States for more than two centuries. The mission
given them by Dominic de Guzman (1170-1221) from
the founding of the Order, is to proclaim the Word of
God by preaching, teaching and example, while sustained
by life in common.
Dominican
spirituality is centered in the Word of God.
- The
creative Word
has been proclaimed by such members
as Thomas Aquinas and Master Eickhart.
- The
incarnate Word
has been proclaimed by Catherine of Siena and
all who contemplate and preach the mystery of Jesus
Christ.
- The
revealed Word has
engaged those who have studied and taught theology
and Scripture in every century.
The
single mission of the Order of Preachers embraces
many ministries, developed as needed to bring the Word
of God to persons in varying societies and circumstances.
St. Dominic had this in mind when he urged the first
members to identify with each culture through the use
of the vernacular languages. For the same purpose he
asked the preachers to meet all people as mendicants,
ready to exchange gifts and necessities with others
in the spirit of Jesus and the apostles.
Dominicans in the United
States continue their ministries of preaching and
teaching for changing or lasting needs. They have also
assumed ministries newly related to the proclamation
of the Word, such as electronic communications, and
others urgently required by the needs of people for
life, justice, and peace. The twofold motto of the Order
continues to be Veritas, in a world hungering
for truth; and Caritas , the equally urgent
need for human compassion and mercy.
The
Order of Preachers is composed of men and women of four
branches: friars,
who may be priests or brothers; cloistered nuns; sisters;
and laity.
Dominic de Guzman was called to ministry in the universal
Church. His followers have proclaimed the Gospel around
the world to peoples never known to the founder, including
those of the Americas.
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