About Us

About Us

The Dominican Family was founded by St. Dominic de Guzman, a Spanish priest of the Cathedral at Osma. In 1203, "by accident," he began a new ministry to which he would dedicate the rest of his life and to which he would lead many other men and women: preaching. The new order was given the title "Order of Preachers" (O.P. is the designate that you see after a Dominican's name), and their preaching was sanctioned by the Pope. The particular charge to the Dominicans was to preach against heresy.

The Dominican motto: 'Benedicere, Laudare, Praedicare' (to pray, to bless, and to preach) grew out of a basic commitment to apostolic ministry. Because human beings need to be encouraged and supported, community life is a priority for Dominicans. Members of the Dominican Family all share the same priorities: prayer, contemplation, community, study, preaching.