Order of Preachers
As Master of the Order (2001-2010), friar Carlos Azpiroz Costa O.P., reminded the whole Order of Preachers in the following words: "The Order was born as a Family "thus, we belong to the Dominican family: friars (priest and brothers), nuns (contemplative), lay fraternities of St Dominic, priestly fraternities of St. Dominic, congregations of sisters of apostolic life, secular institutes and the Dominican youth movement" as if arising from a tree planted beside living fountains, the branches of the Dominican Family are numerous. Each one has its own character, its special status, its autonomy. However, since all participate in the charism of Saint Dominic, they share the very same vocation to be preachers in the Church." ~ Acts of the General Chapter of Friars (Mexico, 1992).
The Dominican Family's common purpose is to communicate the love of God to all people, as preachers of the Catholic tradition. Each branch of preachers determines how they shall preach the Good News of Christ in their time and place. So, all Dominican preachers are in mission together. Each of us joins the branch of the Dominican Family as one feels called.
"Contemplari et contemplata aliis tradere”
IN 1216 THE ORDER IS APPROVED
On December 22, 1216, Honorius, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to the beloved sons Dominic, prior of St. Romanus in Toulouse, and his brethren, both present and future, professed in the regular life. In perpetuum formally approved the new Order, and Dominic served as the Master or superior of the entire Order until his death in 1221. " Honorius addressed its members as "Christ's unconquered athletes, armed with the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. Fearing not those who can kill the body, you valiantly thrust the word of God which is keener than any two-edged sword, against the foes of the faith."