THE DOMINICAN ORDER

The Order of Preachers was founded by St. Dominic de Guzman in 1216. The Order of Preachers was approved by Pope Honorius III, and given the special task of preaching. Historically, St. Dominic and his followers were itinerant preachers who were sent to towns throughout Europe to teach and preach to all people. Modeling their lives on those of the early Christians, Dominicans have always lived in community, and taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Dominican preaching, teaching and pastoral ministry are grounded in community life, study and common prayer.

To become teachers and preachers, Dominicans have emphasized the importance of study, and continue to staff Catholic ministries at Purdue University, Indiana University, University of Missouri-Columbia and University of New Mexico. Famous Dominican scholars and theologians have included St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Albert the Great.

The Dominicans came to America in 1806, and are now one of the fastest growing Orders in the country. There are four geographical sections, known as “provinces” in the United States: Eastern, Central, Southern and Western. Colorado is located in the Central Province whose headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois.
See www.domcentral.org.