The Order of Preachers (the Dominicans) came into existence through the courage and insight of St. Dominic Guzman in the year 1216. His vision was to create a community of mendicant preachers - rooted in prayer, study, community and preaching - educated and ready to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Nearly 800 years later you find Dominic's dream and legacy alive and well throughout the world. Welcome to the vocation website of the Dominican Province of Saint Martin de Porres. Our 140 friars serve the Church and minister throughout eleven states in the South. Take a moment and look through this site - discover the richness and depth of our common life and ministries.
It's difficult, if not impossible, to convey in film what your life would be like as a Dominican friar. However, it is possible to capture the essence or "feel" of a particular Province if you have the sufficient talent and expertise. When we decided to make a short film about the Southern Province our first priority was making sure we brought on board a film maker with the gifts and skills to make this video a true expression of the friars of our Province. We were blessed when the team at Grassroots Films agreed to take on our project. < Read More and View the Video> 
When you first come to realize God may be calling you to serve Him as a priest or brother, it sometimes feels as though you're the only person in the world with a vocation. The Dominican Experience Weekend (DEW) provides an opportunity for you to join other men discerning a vocation and take a deeper, more serious look at religious life.
Spring Vocation Weekend: February 20-22, 2009.
Explore the real world of community life from the perspective of a Dominican student brother. Originally published in the 2005 edition of Vision Magazine, this article provides an insightful look at community. Community Life: The Real World When St. Dominic founded the Order of Friars Preache...
History was recently made when the the friars of St. Anthony of Padua Priory in New Orleans, LA elected Brother Herman Johnson, 52, as their 20th Prior. This is the first time in the 791 year history of the Dominican friars that a cooperator brother has been elected a local superior. The election ...
Br. Michael DeArmond, OP is currently one of five novices for the Southern Dominican Province. He writes an insightful article reflecting on his experiences during this important year of his discernment.
The life of a Dominican friar is made up of a variety of different components. Each depends on the other and together, they act as a foundation and provide the nourishment each friar needs to live out his vocation. Take a minute and look through these tabs. They provide you with a brief introduction into what makes our Dominican life exciting, joyful and most of all ... the work of God. 
First and foremost, we are men of prayer. Communal celebration of the Eucharist and praying the Divine Office comprise the heart of Dominican life. Praying together in community provides the brothers with the primary strength and nourishment necessary for their ministries. Whether participating in a Holy Hour, praying the rosary, lectio divina or simply spending some time in front of the Blessed Sacrament - the Dominican friar understands the importance of nurturing his relationship with God.
When St. Dominic founded the Order of Friars Preachers he called his followers to live together in community in order to support and sustain each other in their ministry and preaching of the Good News. The Dominican sense of community is rooted in the model described over and over again in the early church. It is a model based upon an understanding of a healthy family - complete with all its joys and challenges.
The Order of Preachers continues to to place a strong emphasis on the theological education of the friars. This focus on study has provided the friars with the most effective means of presenting the truth of Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith to their contemporary society. Men like St. Albert the Great and St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century and Congar, Chenu, Vicaire, Schillebeeckx in the 20th century are examples of the impact of Dominican study on the Catholic Church and faith.
Every Dominican friar is called to preach the Gospel in one form or another. Opportunities for preaching arise in sacramental and non-sacramental contexts. Sacramental preaching occurs most commonly during the celebration of the Eucharist - the homily. However, a great deal of preaching occurs within a non-sacramental context - teaching, counseling, campus ministry, prison ministry. Whatever the ministry, the friar must be able to see and interpret the times and be able to effectively communicate the truth and power of the Gospel message.
The Order of Preachers came into existence through the courage and insight of St. Dominic Guzman (1170-1221) founded the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominicans. The numbers grew, and the new Order of Preachers began to take shape. The friars formed preaching communities, who would sing the Divine Office and send out preachers to the people. The brothers professed poverty both individually and corporately. A great emphasis was placed on the proper preparation for the preaching work. Great minds such as St Albert the Great and St Thomas Aquinas were soon attracted to the Order.
