Dominican Order

Dominican Order

The Dominican Order (Latin: Ordo Praedicatorum, abbreviated as OP), also known as the Order of Preachers, is a Roman Catholic religious order founded by the Spanish priest Saint Dominic in France, and approved by Pope Honorius III on 22 December 1216. Members of the order, who are referred to as Dominicans, generally carry the letters OP after their names, standing for Ordinis Praedicatorum, meaning of the Order of Preachers.

History

The Dominican Order came into being in the Middle Ages at a time when religion began to be contemplated in a new way. Saint Dominic was a Spanish priest who recognized the need for a new type of organization to address the spiritual needs of the growing cities of the era, one that would combine dedication and systematic education, with more organizational flexibility than either monastic orders or the secular clergy.

Structure

The Dominican Order is headed by the Master of the Order, currently Gerard Francisco Timoner III. Members of the Order are referred to as Dominicans, and have different roles and responsibilities depending on their specific vocation within the Order. These roles can include serving as priests, brothers, nuns, sisters, or lay people.

Spirituality

Dominican spirituality is characterized by a deep commitment to truth, a democratic structure, and a devotion to study and contemplation. Dominicans believe in a theology that is informed by the natural sciences, history, and human experience.

Influence

The Dominican Order has been influential in the development of Christianity throughout the centuries. Dominicans have been involved in the establishment of universities, the promotion of the sciences, the development of art and architecture, and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world.

See also

• Catholic Church
• Religious order
• Saint Dominic
• Master of the Order
• Gerard Francisco Timoner III

External links

• Official website of the Dominican Order

Dominican Order Resources
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