“As it is better to enlighten than merely to shine, so is it better to give to others the fruits of one’s contemplation than merely to contemplate”

Dominican Charism

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What is a Dominican Friar?

Stephen of Salanhac, O.P., once described the Dominican friar as “a canon by profession, a monk in austerity of his life, and an apostle by his office.” Although an apt illustration, Stephen’s words require a fuller explanation.

Dominicans are not quite canons regular (as are the Norbertines), but we do find great joy in the prayerful recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours. All of our priories and communities pray the office in choir, offering our praise to God throughout the day.

Dominicans embrace a life of Gospel poverty and simplicity, just as Benedictine or Trappist monks do, but we are not bound to one cloister. As followers of the Rule of Saint Augustine, and exhorted by Saint Dominic’s last will and testament, we “hold all things in common” (as did the first disciples in the Acts of the Apostles).

Finally, Dominicans share in the office of the apostles by proclaiming the Gospel in every time and place — evangelizing, combating heresy and error, and performing the…