Lay Dominicans
Who Are The Lay Dominicans?
Lay Dominicans are Catholic men and women who are called to live the spirituality and mission of St. Dominic while remaining fully engaged in their everyday lives. Whether single, married, or widowed, they share in the charism of the Order of Preachers, striving to grow in holiness through a life centered on Prayer, Study, Community, and Preaching.
As members of the worldwide Dominican Family, Lay Dominicans make a lifelong commitment to follow the Rule of the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic. They gather regularly for prayer, ongoing formation, fellowship, and service, supporting one another as they proclaim the Gospel in their homes, workplaces, parishes, and communities.
Inspired by the example of St. Dominic, Lay Dominicans seek Truth, deepen their relationship with Christ, and bring His love to the world through lives of faithful witness, compassionate service, and joyful preaching.
History of St. Dominic
St. Dominic de Guzmán (1170–1221) was a Spanish priest whose deep love for Christ and passion for truth inspired the founding of the Order of Preachers, commonly known as the Dominican Order.
Living during a time of religious confusion and widespread misunderstanding of the Catholic faith, Dominic recognized that the Church needed faithful men and women who could proclaim the Gospel with both compassion and sound teaching. Rather than relying on power or privilege, he chose a life of simplicity, prayer, study, and preaching, believing that truth is best shared through holiness and authentic witness.
In 1216, Pope Honorius III officially approved the Order of Preachers. Dominic envisioned a community devoted to contemplating God's Word and sharing its fruits with others through preaching, education, and service.
His legacy continues today through Dominican friars, nuns, sisters, and Lay Dominicans around the world, who strive to live according to the four pillars of Prayer, Study, Community, and Preaching. More than eight centuries later, St. Dominic's mission remains as relevant as ever—calling people to seek truth, grow in holiness, and joyfully proclaim the Gospel in every aspect of life.
"Arm yourself with prayer rather than a sword; wear humility rather than fine clothes."
— St. Dominic
St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) was a Dominican friar, priest, theologian, and one of the greatest teachers in the history of the Catholic Church. Renowned for his profound wisdom and unwavering faith, he devoted his life to understanding and explaining the truths of Christianity through reason, Scripture, and Sacred Tradition.
His most influential work, the Summa Theologiae, continues to guide Catholics, theologians, and students around the world in the study of faith and moral theology. Aquinas believed that faith and reason are complementary, both leading us toward a deeper knowledge of God and His truth.
As a member of the Order of Preachers, St. Thomas embodied the Dominican commitment to Prayer, Study, Community, and Preaching. His life reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge is not merely an academic exercise but a path to loving God more deeply and serving others with wisdom and charity.
Today, Lay Dominicans continue to draw inspiration from his example, embracing lifelong learning, thoughtful reflection, and faithful witness as they live out the Gospel in their families, workplaces, and communities.
"The things that we love tell us what we are."
— St. Thomas Aquinas
The Dominican Order of Preachers
Founded by St. Dominic in 1216, the Order of Preachers (Ordo Praedicatorum, O.P.) was established to proclaim the Gospel with truth, wisdom, and compassion. Commonly known as the Dominican Order, its members are called to preach the Word of God through faithful teaching, authentic witness, and a life rooted in Christ.
Dominican preaching extends beyond the pulpit. It is lived through daily acts of charity, intellectual formation, pastoral ministry, education, evangelization, and service to others. Friars, nuns, sisters, and Lay Dominicans all share in this mission, each according to their unique vocation.
Today, the Order continues its mission across the world, inspiring people to seek truth, deepen their faith, and share the light of Christ in their families, workplaces, parishes, and communities.
Dominican Order of Preachers
Founded by St. Dominic in 1216, the Order of Preachers (Ordo Praedicatorum, O.P.) was established to proclaim the Gospel with truth, wisdom, and compassion. Commonly known as the Dominican Order, its members are called to preach the Word of God through faithful teaching, authentic witness, and a life rooted in Christ.
Dominican preaching extends beyond the pulpit. It is lived through daily acts of charity, intellectual formation, pastoral ministry, education, evangelization, and service to others. Friars, nuns, sisters, and Lay Dominicans all share in this mission, each according to their unique vocation.
Today, the Order continues its mission across the world, inspiring people to seek truth, deepen their faith, and share the light of Christ in their families, workplaces, parishes, and communities.
