About Us
The Dominican Province of Saint Martin de Porres
In 1526 the first Dominicans to arrive on our southeastern shores were Fray Antonio de Montesinos, Fray Antonio de Cervantes, and Brother Pedro de Estrada. Around 1539 Dominican friars Luis de Soto and Juan de Gallegos were part of Hernando de Soto's exploration party through Texas and the Southeast. Ten years later Fray Luis de Cancer and his two brothers were martyred at Tampa Bay. Since that time Dominican friars have served throughout the Southern United Sttaes, preaching, evangelizing and establishing the Catholic faith. Over the last forty years the Southern United States has witnessed the influx of industry, immigration, and a sizable increase in the Catholic population.
We are the Dominican friars of the Province of Saint Martin de Porres. (also known as the Southern Dominican Province) Our Province covers 11 southern states from North Carolina to Florida and west through Oklahoma. Established in 1980 with friars from the Central and Eastern Dominican Provinces, the Southern province is well prepared to meet the challenges of the rapidly growing Catholic and immigrant populations in the Southern United States. The Province continues to grow with over 124 solemnly professed friars and 18 brothers in various stages of initial formation. God continues to bless the Order and our Province with vocations committed to following in the footsteps of St. Dominic.
A Culturally Diverse Province Serving a Diverse Church
Just like the people of the Southern United States, the friars of the Southern Province represent a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Although the majority of the friars come from all over the United States, a number of friars come from countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. This multicultural diversity enables the Province to better respond and connect with the various cultures that make up the Catholic Church in the South.
Throughout the South and Beyond: Our friars minister throughout the Southern United States and beyond. Currently our men serve in the following cities: Austin, TX, Columbus, OH, Guayaquil, Ecuador, Hammond, LA, Houston, TX, Irving, TX, Memphis, TN, Miami, FL, New Orleans, LA, Ponchatoula, LA, Raleigh, NC, St. Louis, MO, San Antonio, TX, Lubbock, TX (August 2010), Rome, Italy (The Angelicum)
How and Where We Minister
As Dominicans, we continue the 800 year legacy of St. Dominic and focus all our ministries on preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of souls. Dominican preaching, however, includes much more than liturgical preaching (within the context of Mass). Click here to explore the various ways we continue to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
