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A Meditation for Good Friday

“I have pains in my gut. How can I not have pain in the gut of memory when it is filled with putrid stuff?”  -St. Bernard Of Clairvaux, Ad clericos…

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Palm Sunday: Embracing the Triumph and Humility of Christ

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a sacred journey that culminates in the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday. This significant day…

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Feast of St. Joseph

Among other titles in the Litany of St. Joseph, the foster father of Our Lord is invoked as the “terror of demons.” One reason for this is that…

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Joseph Most Obedient

God the Father offered his friendship to the first human family, to Adam and Eve, but their disobedience broke this friendship. Yet another family…

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Confession: Calling Us Out of Comfort

This past summer I had the great gift of completing a hospital chaplaincy internship. There were numerous moments of repentance and grace (thanks…

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The Power of Lenten Prayer

The “penance” we do in Lent means turning away from sin and toward God. To enable us to cooperate well with God’s grace in doing penance, the…

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The End and Means of Lent

We come, once again, to the holy season of Lent! Just as before the joy of the Resurrection there was the pain of the Passion; so too before…

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The Power of Lenten Almsgiving

Often, when we think about almsgiving, our minds immediately turn to money. Of course, contributing material wealth is important and commendable…

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The Power of Lenten Fasting

Christians attribute great effectiveness to fasting. It keeps us alert, awakens our sensitivity to God, allows us to know ourselves, and makes…

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2024 Convocation of the College of Fellows: A Student Reflection

The DSPT College of Fellows convened for the first time in four years on February 2-4, 2024, after a pandemic that began in 2020 was followed…

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The Choral Office: The Work of the Preacher

The Dominican Order’s official name is “Order of Preachers.” We embrace the apostolic life, possessing material goods only in common, and devote…

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Consecrated to Obedience

“But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that…

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A River of Many Waters: Brotherhood of Preachers

We had come, like streams of a river, from the same source in our native land, had separated from each other in pursuit of learning, and were…

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Can you hear God through the noise?

The Lord invites Elijah to witness His presence in 1 Kings 19. As the Lord passes by, Elijah discovers that the Lord is not in a great and strong…

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Epiphany: The Invitation to Wonder at God’s Presence

When most of us think of the Epiphany, we immediately think of the Wise Men visiting the Christ Child. However, this is only part of what the…

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St. Thomas Becket’s Martyrdom

The relationship between faith and the state has been controversial at least since the beginning of Christian history. Matthew points to this…

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Prepare The Way

In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every…

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Gregory Nazianzen: Doctor of Vigilance

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to study Greek and Syriac patristic theology in Rome near the locations where so many saintly theologians…

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The Immaculate Mother of All the Living

When the Anglican scholar Edward B. Pusey wrote his Eirenicon, St. John Henry Newman felt compelled to reply by letter to his old friend’s polemics…

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Using This World Well

Oscar Wilde once visited the Sistine Chapel while the choir sang the “Dies Irae,” a classic chant about the Last Judgment that’s still used as…

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Eucharistia

The greatest act of thanksgiving is found in the Church’s celebration of the Eucharist

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Lay Up for Yourselves Treasure in Heaven

One of my favorite pieces of choral music to listen to and meditate upon is called Funeral Ikos. Written by the English composer John Tavener,…

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Reflections with Relics

"What you are now, we once were. What we are now, you shall be."

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Saint Martin de Porres

One of the best-known Dominican saints around the world is not famous for his eloquence or his education. There are no sermons of his passed…

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The Rosary: How Our Trials Unite Us to God

At the root of all our desires is a yearning for oneness with God. In our fallen state, we are prone to respond to that yearning with things…

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Meditating on the Mysteries: The Soul of the Rosary

Was the Rosary truly historically given by the Blessed Virgin Mary to our founder St. Dominic de Guzman? Unfortunately, even though more than…

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The Rosary and Public Life

As one of the most widely-practiced forms of Christian prayer, the Rosary is well-known for the many benefits which it can confer on a person’s…

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The Rosary: Jesus and Mary’s Aid to the Order

Art can help us understand theological and historical realities by providing us with concrete images that symbolically express a truth.

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St. Michael: A Patron for our Trying Times

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

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The Ascension of the Lord

Throughout the season of Advent, the Church prepares for the birth of Jesus. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit, and became…

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Behold the Truth of Christ’s Resurrection with the Eyes of the Heart

Whereas in his nativity Christ demonstrates the mystery of his own virgin birth, in the resurrection he gives a pattern to all who are to be…

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Conquest of the Old Tyrant

Imagine that we are standing on the top of a cliff. We look down, and we don’t see the base of the cliff. The space below us is shrouded in mist.…

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St. Catherine of Siena, A Patroness of Tears

One of the most striking aspects of the writings of St. Catherine of Siena is her attention to bodiliness. Her visual metaphors are often punctuated…

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The Tomb is Empty

Mary was waiting for Him with joy Not as a mother waits for the return of her son from war But as one waits for a friend who never broke a…

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Why does Jesus Keep His Wounds After Rising from the Dead?

Did you know? Everyone in heaven gets a trophy!

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Why did Jesus die?

Why did Jesus die? The question of why Jesus had to die is one that has puzzled Christians for centuries. It is easy to point fingers and assign…

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Arc of the Triduum

How to better experience the three Holy Days before Easter.

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Food of Pilgrimage, Pledge of Glory

Feeling hopeless? There’s medicine for that … the medicine of immortality!

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The Annunciation: Mary’s Fiat As Our Model of Humility

Of course you kvetch, you've overstretched! Let Mary show you a better way.

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A Holy and Gentle Hatred of Sin

Want to be holy? Choose hatred!

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Easter Octave Post #1

Christ Surrexit vere, alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, alleluia! With this Paschal greeting, we join the Saints throughout the…

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Thinking Again about Repentance

Are you sure you have repented? Think again!

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A Perfect Time to Sort Our Priorities

My younger sister is a fantastic skier. We have both skied since a very young age. However, once upon a time, she fell down and hurt her knee…

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Religious Life: A Total Gift to God

How does a whole burnt offering point people to the meaning of human life?

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Religious Life and the Life to Come

There is nothing unfortunate about the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience!

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The Word Abides

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple was a monumental moment in the history of salvation. How do Simeon's words in the Gospel of Luke show us the Word's fulfillment of the entire Old Testament?

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St. Thomas Aquinas: Spiritual Guide and Follower of Christ

We often find the life of the mind placed in opposition to the spiritual life. However, is this a fair opposition? Aquinas can be our guide in resolving this tension.

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The Holy Name of Jesus: The Power of His Name

What should the name of Jesus evoke within me?

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The Holy Name of Jesus: Rescued by a Name

What is so special about a name?

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What Does Epiphany Have to Do With the Cross?

During this Christmas season of joy, how can Christ manifest in our struggles and sorrows?

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Christmas, the Strategy of Christ, and the Mystery of the Holy Family

The nativity of Jesus: a mystery of a personal victory that mobilized his friends and agitated his enemies.

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The Incarnation: God's Story about God

An effusion of the Ineffable!

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Advent Reflections: 4th Sunday of Advent

Do not be afraid to take Mary into your home (which always brings Christ) as we come to the end of Advent and prepare for His coming at Christmas.

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The Incarnation: O Come, Divine Messiah!

How can we joyfully prepare for God Incarnate amidst a dark and sinful world?

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Advent Reflections: 3rd Sunday of Advent

It's Gaudete Sunday and we are entering the third week of Advent with joyful anticipation for the commemoration of Christ's birth.

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Immaculate Against the Idols

Mary the Immaculate Conception: Forbidding Myth or Grace-filled Maiden?

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What you didn't know about St. Nicholas...

St. Nicholas is not only a giver of gifts but a giver of Truth!

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Advent Reflections: 2nd Sunday of Advent

How can we better prepare for the coming of our Savior this Advent season?

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Our Brothers Thank You

We're so grateful for your support of this year's Rosary Sunday: Dominican Student Appeal!

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Friars in Print 2022

Browse the newest publications by Western Dominicans

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The Incarnation: God's Face

To see God's face once meant death, but now we see true life in the face of God Incarnate.

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The Afterlife: Hell

Can thinking on Hell increase our faith? Learn why hellish meditations should be included in our spiritual exercises.

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Advent Reflections: 1st Sunday of Advent

How can we grow in the virtues of hope, patience, and joy?

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The Afterlife: Heaven

Will we grow bored of worshipping God in heaven for "forever?" How will our heavenly unity with God affect our desires?

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The Afterlife: Purgatory

What is the value of suffering - for us and for "holy souls" in Purgatory?

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St. Martin de Porres - A Humble Saint

What is true humility? The foundation of humility lies not in ourselves, but in God.

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St. Jude, Intercession, and Sharing in God's Goodness

St. Jude and the Birthday Cake - is the oft-forgotten apostle a baker?

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The Rosary as a School of Prayer

Climb the mountain - a pilgrimage of our mind and heart!

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Mary, Queen and Mother

Worthy of love or worthy of honor: how do we properly approach Our Lady?

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The Perfect Prayer

How do I pray well, even perfectly? Br. Anthony Maria Akerman, O.P. offers a reply to this perennial question.

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Why Should We Pray Daily to St. Michael the Archangel?

How is St. Michael the Archangel a powerful defender in all battles? Learn from Fr. Michael Hurley, O.P., on how this powerful saint helps us flex our spiritual muscles!

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St. Michael the Archangel vs. The 6th Century Plague

If St. Michael the Archangel can save Rome from the plague, how can he help us in modern times? Br. Scott Norgaard, O.P., helps us understand how angels are instrumental in executing God's mercy.

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Was the Big Bang the Moment of Creation?

The Big Bang was the moment of creation...or was it? Br. Pascal Strader, O.P. helps unfold the cosmological and theological considerations in this claim.

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Incomprehensible Mercy

How should we treat those who have seriously hurt or wronged us? Br. Anselm shares the difficult, but life-giving answer in honor of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.

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Summer Reflection: Studying German in Berlin

This past July, I was in Berlin taking an intensive course in German. Over the past five years studying at the Dominican School of Philosophy…

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Summer Reflection: Studying Spanish in Mexico

This summer, I spent several weeks learning Spanish in Mexico along with four other Dominican student brothers -- Br. Nathaniel Maria Mayne,…

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Summer Reflection: Fraternity with Polish Brothers

The Dominican Friars of the Western Province have had a special relationship of mutual support and collaboration with the Polish Province for…

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Summer Reflection: Studying Arabic in Cairo

When I disclose the fact that I am learning Arabic to family, friends, and acquaintances here in the Western United States, I receive similar…

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Celebrating our Jubilarians

Dominicans offer their lives to preach the Gospel and dedicate their lives in service to God and the Church. The vast majority of Dominican friars…

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Totus Tuus

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt. Accipio te in mea omnia. I am all yours, and everything that I have is yours. I take you for my all.…

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The Beauty of Our Mother

The Church dedicates this month of May to Our Lady. Therefore, this is a very convenient time for us, her children, to contemplate the beauty…

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Mary, Mother of God and Mother of All Believers

The history of salvation is not the history of the One Creator God acting alone in human history. Rather, it involves an intimate dialogue between…

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Out of His Fullness, We Have All Received

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can…

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Jesus, Our Companion and Our Hope

“Christ is Risen! - Truly, He is Risen!” This Paschal greeting that we are so accustomed to hearing on Easter morning represents the overwhelming…

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Spy Wednesday

Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? If so, you know how terrible it feels when a friend turns against you. Our attention is drawn to the…

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The Highest Conceivable Gift

Few words are so ubiquitous in Christian circles (and even outside them), as the word “grace.” Just from the amount we talk about it, grace seems…

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Affixing your Lenten Practices to Love

“If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy…

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Behold Man!

“You who have been raised with Christ, set your heart on higher things where Christ reigns at the right hand of God the Father.” (Col. 3:1)...

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Mary – Mother and Model of Disciples

Jesus, the material incarnation of the Second Person of the Trinity, asks of us what God demanded of His Chosen People in the Shema prayed each morning and evening by the pious Jew...

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A Painter and a Sinner

I am always deeply moved by Caravaggio’s “The Calling of St Matthew.” If there was anything Caravaggio was good at, it was painting and being…

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St. Joseph Patron of the Universal Church

To learn more about St. Joseph, his life, and patronage over the Church, read Fr. Mullady's article on our Rosary Center website here: St. Joseph,…

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Mary, Undoer of Knots

If you look around you might get the impression that the world is upside down and we with it. We are confronted with conflicts which are far…

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We Miserable Sinners, God’s Wonderful Mercy

I recently went on my annual retreat at Holy Transfiguration Monastery, a community of monks in Redwood Valley, CA who are affiliated with the…

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What is the Purpose of your Lenten Penance?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for many Christians around the world. Why do we…

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How Does Marriage Differ from Buying a Car?

Is marriage at all different from buying a car? In this day and age, it would seem that it isn’t necessarily... Looking at the way we live…

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Return to Nazareth

One of the results of our individualistic society is that families have become increasingly isolated. This isolation is sometimes justified by…

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The Two Trinities

“…Sitting on the shore, and his eyes were never dry of tears, and his sweet life was ebbing away, as he longed mournfully for his return.” Such…

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Getting to Know Simeon

Happy feast of the Presentation of the Lord! St. Thomas once said that the whole of theology is contained in the psalms and when I look at the…

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Christ, the High Priest

What is a priest? He is more than just a man that dresses strangely and performs some arcane religious ritual. No, a priest is a man set apart…