The Order of Preachers founded by St. Dominic is known from the beginning to have been instituted especially for preaching and the salvation of souls.

The purpose of the Order was expressed by Pope Honorius III writing to St. Dominic and his brothers in these words: "He who ever makes His Church fruitful with new offspring, wanting to make these modern times measure up to former times, and to propagate the Catholic faith, inspired you with a holy desire by which, having embraced poverty and made profession of regular life, you have given yourselves to the proclamation of the Word of God, preaching the name of our Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world."

We also undertake as sharers of the apostolic mission the life of the Apostles in the form conceived by St. Dominic, living with one mind the common life,  faithful in the profession of the evangelical counsels, fervent in the common celebration of the liturgy, especially of the Eucharist and the divine office as well as other prayer, assiduous in study, and persevering in regular observance.

All these practices contribute not only to the glory of God and our sanctification, but serve directly the salvation of humanity, since they prepare harmoniously for preaching, furnish its incentive, form its character, and in turn are influenced by it. These elements are closely interconnected and carefully balanced, mutually enriching one another, so that in their synthesis the proper life of the Order is established: a life in the fullest sense apostolic, in which preaching and teaching must proceed from an abundance of contemplation.

(all excerpts from the Fundamental Constitutions of the friars)

©1998 Order of Preachers Michael O'Rourke Convento Santa Sabina Piazza Pietro d'Illiria 1 00153 ROMA Italia email: mike.orourke@op.org