Preaching for the salvation of souls
St. Dominic founded an Order of apostles: men consecrated to God and sent into the world to proclaim the truth of the Gospel. In every generation, Dominicans continue this mission by preaching Jesus Christ through word, witness and pastoral charity.
Dominican preaching seeks to engage the real questions and struggles of humanity. It attends carefully to culture, intellectual life and the signs of the times so that the light of the Gospel may penetrate every aspect of human existence.
The purpose of this preaching is clearly expressed in the Constitutions:
“The object of our preaching is either to cause the faith to be born, or to allow it to penetrate people’s entire lives more deeply, thus building the Body of Christ.” (Fundamental Constitution, V)
For this reason, Dominican preaching takes many forms: the homily, theological teaching, spiritual direction, catechesis, writing, missionary work, digital evangelization and works of mercy. Whether in the classroom, the parish, the university, the mission territory or the public square, the Dominican preacher seeks to proclaim the truth that saves.
The Order of Preachers was founded for a single, clear purpose: the proclamation of the Gospel for the salvation of souls. From the beginning, the Order “is known to have been established, from the beginning, for preaching and the salvation of souls, specifically.” (Fundamental Constitution, II)
“By our profession we are incorporated into the Order and fully committed to preaching the word of God in its totality.” (Fundamental Constitution, III)
“Having been made cooperators with the episcopal order by priestly ordination, we have as our special function a prophetic task, which is to proclaim everywhere by word and example the Gospel of Jesus Christ, taking into account people’s situations, the times and the locations.” (Fundamental Constitution, V)
“Preaching is a shared work, the responsibility of the entire community; that is why in the tradition of our Order a convent is often called a holy preaching.” (LCO, 100 § I).
Prayer, study, community life and observance “bear directly on the salvation of humankind, since together they prepare and impel us to preach.” (Fundamental Constitution, IV)
Today, Dominican friars continue this universal mission across every continent. The Order serves local Churches while remaining available for the needs of the universal Church. Brothers are sent according to the needs of the mission, and their diverse talents and gifts are cultivated for the good of preaching.
The universality of the Order also gives Dominican apostolic life a strongly missionary character. Friars are called to preach not only where the faith is firmly established, but also where it is weak, questioned or unknown.
Across the world, Dominicans carry out their preaching mission in many concrete ways, always shaped by local pastoral needs and ecclesial priorities.
All Dominican apostolic activity is ordered toward one final end: the glory of God and the salvation of humanity.
Dominicans serve parish communities through the celebration of the sacraments, preaching, catechesis, spiritual direction and pastoral accompaniment. Many friars also serve at important shrines and pilgrimage sites dedicated to Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints.
Since the foundation of the Order, Dominicans have been dedicated to sacred study and theological teaching. Friars serve in universities, seminaries and institutes of philosophy and theology, helping to form priests, religious and lay faithful in the truth of the Catholic faith.
The Order continues its historic mission of itinerant preaching through retreats, parish missions, conferences, chaplaincies and evangelization initiatives for diverse communities.
Dominicans accompany students and young adults through university chaplaincies, schools and youth movements, helping them integrate faith, reason and Christian discipleship.
In every age, the Order seeks new ways to proclaim the Gospel. Today, Dominican preaching extends through books, journalism, podcasts, videos, social media and digital initiatives that engage contemporary culture with the truth of Christ.
Dominican apostolic life also includes service to the poor, the defense of human dignity and the pursuit of justice rooted in the Gospel. Friars accompany marginalized communities, advocate for peace and respond pastorally to social and humanitarian crises.
Dominicans serve as chaplains in hospitals, prisons, schools, universities, military settings and other institutions where the Church accompanies people in moments of suffering, formation and service.
Many friars labor in missionary territories where the Church is young or in need of strengthening. Through preaching, sacramental ministry and the formation of local communities, they participate in the Church’s mission ad gentes.
“The Christian life is affected by change, especially by change brought about by advances in science, the arts or culture. Brothers should do their utmost to discern, among those changes, the values which lead to a more lively awareness of God. And they should endeavor to answer the questions that this evolution raises in the human mind, to the end that the preaching of the gospel will lead to a purer, more mature grasp of the faith.”
(LCO, 110)
