Order of Preachers
Order of Preachers
Founded by Saint Dominic de Guzman at Prouille, France, and received pontifical letters from Pope Innocent III, 1205, adopting the Rule of Saint Augustine, with certain additions, 1216. The salvation of souls, especially by means of preaching, is the aim of the order, which soon spread in other countries. Preaching and teaching constitute the chief occupation of its members. They have also been entrusted with important commissions by various popes, and their missionary activities have been extensive. Literary and scientific writings of the Dominicans embrace a wide field, including works on the Bible, apologetics, canon law, history, philosophy, theology, and catechetical, pedagogical, and humanistic writings. The school of philosophy and theology of two of their number, Albertus Magnus and Thomas Aquinas, holds a unique place in the life of the Church. The Friars Preachers have also made notable contributions to the world of art. Although they suffered a considerable decrease in numbers and property due to the Reformation and the French Revolution, their spread in the New World counterbalanced these losses. Twelve provinces are engaged in missionary work.
Dominican saints and beati include
Saint Albert the Great
Blessed Ambrose Sansedoni of Siena
Saint Antonius of Florence
Saint Catherine del Ricci
Saint Catherine of Siena
Blessed Christopher of Milan
Saint Dominic de Guzman
Blessed Fra Angelico
Saint Henry Suso
Saint Hyacinth
Saint Jordan of Pisa
Saint Jordan of Saxony
Saint Louis Bertran
Saint Louis Marie de Montfort
Saint Maria Bagnesi
Saint Martin de Porres
Blessed Osanna Andreasi
Blessed Peter de Geremia
Saint Peter Gonzalez
Saint Peter Verona
Pope Saint Pius V
Saint Raymond of Penyafort
Saint Rose of Lima
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Saint Vincent Ferrer
Saint Zedislava Berka
New Catholic Dictionary