The Dominican way of life is beautiful described by the Constitutions of the Order (LCO 1 § IV) as follows :
"We also undertake as sharers of the apostolic mission the life of the Apostles in the form conceived by St. Dominic, living with one mind the common life,faithful in the profession of the evangelical counsels, fervent in the common celebration of the liturgy, especially of the Eucharist and the divine office as well as other prayer, assiduous in study, and persevering in regular observance.
All these practices contribute not only to the glory of God and our sanctification, but serve directly the salvation of mankind, since they prepare harmoniously for preaching, furnish its incentive, form its character, and in turn are influenced by it. These elements are closely interconnected and carefully balanced, mutually enriching one another, so that in their synthesis the proper life of the Order is established: a life in the fullest sense apostolic, in which preaching and teaching must proceed from an abundance of contemplation."
Many would say that Dominican spirituality is hard to define, because we are always seeking new ways to express God's touch in our lives. Fundamentally, the Order is defined by its preaching mission.
Dominican Spirituality is the way Dominican Life is expressed, its goals and the means to attain them. The goal of the Dominican Order has been defined from the beginning by its official name, Order of Friar Preachers, so its mission and goal is preaching the Gospel. The means to attain such an objective are prayer, study, religious life in community, poverty, penance, etc.
Nowadays, Dominican Spirituality or life is being described in terms of four pillars: prayer, study, community and ministry.
1. PRAYER :
Prayer is the heart of any spiritual life. Dominican prayer is contemplative, which means that it is not limited to metal meditative deliberations but leads to total acquiescence in the presence of God as St. Dominic showed us in his nine ways of prayer.
Dominicans pray in many different ways. Above all, Liturgical prayer is part of their everyday life, celebrating the Sacraments and praying the Divine office. Moreover, throughout history, the Dominicans have helped to develop ways of devotional praying which have aided people in deepening their relationship with God. The Rosary is an example of a prayer developed by the Dominicans. Some traditional legends say that the Rosary was given in its current form to St. Dominic by Mary. The Rosary is characteristic of Dominican spirituality because it focuses attention on the principal mysteries of the life of Jesus Christ, can lead to contemplation and is a way of proclaiming the truths of faith. It also shows us Dominican love for our Blessed Mother.
2. STUDY :
The study of the Word of God is an aid to prayer but in itself also becomes an act of worship which sanctifies us. Biblical studies, theology and philosophy are part of their training and daily studies.
3. COMMUNITY LIFE :
To preach the kingdom of God we must live it, so that preaching and living in Christian community are inseparably joined. Dominicans live in community the gift of their Religious Life, sharing everything they have with the brothers and with the people they are sent to preach.
4. MISSION - PREACHING :
We have as our vocation to radiate the presence of Christ in the midst of all, so that divine message of salvation is known and accepted by everyone.
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