The International Order

The English Province of the Order of Preachers is just one of the nearly forty provinces of Dominican friars to be found throughout the world. The need to preach the gospel is universal, and so the friars preachers preach it everywhere. While a brother usually remains in his own province, it is not at all uncommon for friars to be sent elsewhere in the world as the needs of the Church and of the Order require.

"Following the example of St. Dominic, who was most desirous of the salvation of all men and of all nations, the brethren should realize that they have been sent to all men, groups, and nations, believers and unbelievers, and especially to the poor. They should focus their attention on preaching the gospel and establishing the Church among the nations, and on explaining and strengthening the faith in the Christian people." (LCO 98)

"The mission of the Friars Preachers in the service of the Church, namely, to preach the name of Jesus Christ to the nations, is the duty of the entire Order. This work is carried out in various ways according to the different conditions either of the Church or of the countries, groups, and people to whom it is directed. However, it is always to be done according to the fundamental principles of the ministry of the word and in a manner befitting the charism of the Order." (LCO 108.I)

"Missionary activity should aim toward having the missionary, by the evangelical witness of his life and preaching, make present the magnetic power of the Gospel of Christ as the true basis of salvation, and thus bring together the people of God by cooperating in the liberation and reconciliation of mankind.

"The missionary shall organize his activity for building up the Church in the countries or regions where it has not yet taken root and for reviving the faith and christian life in areas where the Church has suffered a setback, in such a way that he shall always regard himself in the service of the local Church." (LCO 108.II)

Quotations are taken from the Book of Constitutions and Ordinations of the Friars of the Order of Preachers (LCO).