A
Brief Introduction
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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