Students life

In Dominican Order, four pillars are very important: study life, prayer life, community life, and preaching.

Study life

St. Dominic included study ordained to the ministry of salvation as part of the essential plan for our Order. Before all else, our study should aim principally and ardently at this, that we might be able to be useful for the souls of our neighbors. These words, taken from the Dominican Constitutions, clearly illustrate the high value the Order has historically placed on study. Our student brothers spend at least five years in theological studies preparing for full-time ministry. Even after the end of initial formation and the beginning of ministry, a friar’s commitment to study and his ongoing formation will continue throughout his Dominican life.

Prayer and contemplation

Prayer is a reference point through which we all better know God. The Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours are the essential elements of Dominican prayer. The gift of the Holy Rosary also has a special place in our life. Each friar must also embrace personal prayer, essential to our life and preaching. Some set aside a specific part of the day, others a specific location in which they choose to pray, study the Gospel, read literature, write down thoughts or meditate. But no matter what form it takes, each friar regularly and religiously sets aside part of every day for contemplation.

Community Life

The integral nature of Dominican community life lies in the fact that the community continually shapes, supports, and challenges each friar. More than just residences, a Dominican community (priory) is a home a place where the friars live, pray, enjoy recreational activities, and continually encounter Christ in one another. Because of this, it is often the starting point for preaching.

Preaching

The friars preach the name of Jesus Christ wherever they are called to serve. Dominic’s Order at its founding may seem natural to be devoted to itinerant preaching, but it was a revolution for the Church at the time. In the 13th century, wandering lay preachers often preached according to unorthodox doctrines and without authorization from the Church. On the other hand, a large part of the consecrated believers (e.g. monks) stayed in one place, mostly in monasteries. Following the example of Christ and his apostles, Dominicans lived simply and travelled the world spreading the Good News.

A Dominican preacher shares in the ministry of the bishop, the successor of the apostles.

In preaching, we are invited to absorb mysteries that remain enigmatic for us as long as we live, to propose insights that we will not master until the end time, and to seek love with relentless devotion. We then look for words to express this lived tension that will benefit others. Preaching is a grace, a vocation for those who are guided by the Spirit of truth. Dominicans answer God’s calling who calls us to go and make disciples of all the nations.