Holy Orders

The Order of Preachers was founded by St. Dominic in the early 13th century for preaching and the salvation of souls. The spread of the dualist heresy of Albigensianism in southern Europe and increasing skepticism about the compatibility of faith and reason in the universities contributed to a pervasive atmosphere of confusion. God raised up St. Dominic and his preaching friars to shine the light of truth to illuminate the minds and enkindle the hearts of the men and women of his day by clearly preaching and teaching the fullness of the Gospel.

In the following centuries the Order of Preachers spread throughout the world and the Dominican friars continue “to praise, to bless, and to preach.” In accordance with the motto of the Order, “Veritas,” Dominicans are both a solid source of theological stability “in the heart of the Church,” and energetic missionaries burning with zeal for the salvation of souls.