The Order of Preachers

The Order of Preachers 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 charism alive in forty-two dominican provinces world wide, with over 7,000 priests and brothers continuing his legacy of preaching. Dominican women, numbering 60,000 serve within several hundred congregations, including numerous cloistered communities of nuns. In addition, thousands of lay men and women are affiliated with the Order and share vitally in its mission. Different in personalities and ministries we share a common charism to preach.

Take a moment and discover the richness and depth of Dominican life. In coming to understand our history, our family and our spirituality, we know you will want to join in our ministry.

The Dominicans in the United States

The Dominican Order was formally established in the United States in 1805, by Edward Dominic Fenwick. Within a short time he established foundations in Springfield, Kentucky, and Somerset, Ohio. Eight hundred fifty Dominican Friars now make up our four U.S. Provinces. Each province is led by a Prior Provincial. Together with the other forty-two worldwide provinces they share a common brotherhood in the Order of Preachers. the current Master of the Order, Father Carlos Aspiroz, O.P., an Argentinian Dominican.

• St. Martin de Porres (Southern Province)
• St. Joseph (Eastern Province)
• Holy Name (Western Province)
• St. Albert the Great (Central Province)

Responding to the Growing South

In response to the rapidly growing Catholic population in the Southern United States, the Order of Preachers approved the founding of the Southern Province under the patronage of Saint Martin de Porres.

Learn More About the Our Southern Province.