St. Dominic

Aug 7

As we celebrate St. Dominic’s Feast Day (August 8), the founder of the Dominican order, it gives me an opportunity to renew my appreciation for the influence that the Dominicans have had on my life.

The Dominican House of Studies is a school of theological training for the Dominican friars.

In September 2019, as a new seminarian arriving in Washington, DC, I couldn’t wait to dive into full-time study of theology and philosophy, which had so enraptured my mind during college. Just a couple weeks into the semester, I came across an invitation to a conference at the Dominican House of Studies, (affectionately called the “Dominican House of Buddies”), right across the street from Catholic University. I had been listening to their lectures online for several years and was thrilled to attend in person.

Sitting down and listening to expert theologians expound on the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas (arguably the most influential Dominican who ever lived) was such an impactful experience that, as I walked home that evening, I realized I had finally understood and experienced the words from the liturgy that say: “You have given us the consolation of the truth.” The Dominicans pride themselves on their commitment to the intellectual tradition of the Church—and rightly so. Their studies and prayer are meant to mutually nourish one another so that the insights gained from both can permeate their vision of the world around them. From meeting the Dominican brothers, attending conferences, and studying under one of their professors, I can attest to the realization of that goal. Their recent growth in vocations has not been unmerited.

Throughout the last several years, I have found myself continually returning to some of the wisdom I gained through conversation and learning from them. Their depth of understanding helped me to shed new light on aspects of Salesian Spirituality that I had not appreciated previously. The teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas have such lasting influence and remain relevant today because they give a holistic account of how to view each aspect of reality and how the whole of reality hangs together. I have yet to encounter a system of thought so expansive and intuitive.

We owe such thanks to the Dominicans for preserving and passing on this treasury of knowledge, wisdom, and grace. They are an antidote to the cynicism that can pervade our culture, and a welcome reprieve from the pressure that many people feel to determine their own truth, when “The Way, the Truth, and the Life” is waiting to be discovered and embraced. I know I will be a better Oblate for having spent time with these men whose passion for truth, love for the Lord, and zeal for sharing the Gospel are endless wellsprings of inspiration.