Reflection, Prayer and Contemplation
Dominicans are a community of tens of thousands that has endured for eight centuries, are bound together by a deep spirituality that sets them apart from other religious orders.
This distinctive spirituality is often embodied in what we call the “Four Pillars of Dominican Life” – Prayer, Study, Community, and Preaching.
These pillars are inspired by the example of St. Dominic, who was known for his continuous connection with God and his tireless dedication to sharing the message of God.
One of the fundamental aspects of Dominican life is Study.
St. Dominic recognized the importance of knowledge even in a time when many clergy were uneducated.
He sent his friars to prominent universities to study and preach.
This tradition continues today, with a primary focus on the Word of God as revealed through Scripture, Tradition, and the natural world.
Dominican study is driven by a desire to serve God by saving souls through informed teaching and is motivated by love for God and fellow humans.
It’s a lifelong endeavor, rooted in the Church’s teachings and the wisdom of figures like St. Thomas Aquinas.
The purpose of this study is to share what has been learned with others, ensuring that knowledge is a means of nourishing the soul and guiding others towards God.
Prayer is central to Dominican life.
Dominicans center their lives on Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit’s presence in the world.
They engage in daily common prayer, meditation, study, and preaching, drawing nourishment from God’s Word as found in Scripture, the Eucharist, and everyday life.
The celebration of Mass and the liturgy of the hours are pivotal in their daily routine, where they experience the presence of salvation through the Eucharist and intercede for the Church and the world.
Additionally, Dominicans find God in the world and through contemplative silence, exemplified by saints like St. Albert the Great and St. Catherine of Siena, who balanced active engagement with contemplation.
Community life is a hallmark of Dominican spirituality.
They live together in large and small communities, sharing their lives as brothers and holding all things in common.
This communal aspect encourages unity and solidarity in their mission to preach the Gospel. They emulate the apostolic poverty of Jesus and early Christians, sharing their blessings with the world.
Preaching is at the core of Dominican life. In a revolutionary move at the time of its founding, the Dominican Order focused on itinerant preaching, following the example of Christ and the apostles. Dominicans serve the Church by spreading the name of Jesus Christ wherever they are called. Preaching is a vocation that challenges them to engage with profound mysteries, propose eternal truths, and inspire others through words that express their lived tension in a way that benefits all.
In essence, Dominicans seek to balance these four pillars – Prayer, Study, Community, and Preaching – to serve God in the most meaningful way.
This balance embodies the concept of “Holy Preaching,” allowing them to effectively proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and continue the enduring legacy of St. Dominic’s mission.