Dominic's unique charism

The charism of the Dominican Order inspired the framework for our 800-year-old mission in the Church. St. Dominic responded to the needs of his time, recognizing heresies that could be countered only by knowledge of the Real Truth and delivery of this Truth by holy preachers. The Dominican motto, VERITAS (Truth) is as essential today as it was in the 13th century. The call for a new evangelization by Pope John Paul II, articulated again by Pope Benedict XVI, requires fidelity to VERITAS.

Dominic’s convictions of the way to confront the heresies of his day spawned a new, unique form of religious life: a mendicant order which would combine monastic elements with apostolic elements. The Order was to be theologically sound, grounded in prayer and scripture, located in university towns, and supported always by local community centers.

The joyful spirit of Dominic infused the four pillars that grounded Dominican life from its beginning. The new concept of religious life and purpose was so attractive that the Order grew to 500 by the end of the 13th century. The Dominican Order received papal approval from Honorius III in 1216 AD.  Among the earliest Dominicans were Albert the Great and Thomas Aquinas, both of whom made major intellectual and spiritual contributions to the Church. Both friars canonized by the Church. 

From the beginning, Dominic designed a structure for his new group that was collegial. Roots of American democracy are attributed to his genius of design. No one was elected or appointed for lifetime control of the Order. Regular General Chapters provided a voice for all Dominicans in their own government. The principles of subsidiarity and collegiality called for by Vatican II are embedded in the very fabric of Dominican structures; therefore, the Order could respond readily to the Council’s call for adaptation.