Time to Ditch “Pro-Life Day of Prayer” for “Pro-Life Day of Action”?
On January 22nd, the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, we Catholics have the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, and in California,…
Blog
A Spirituality Behind the Wheel
I remember once when I was a teenager, a family member was driving me somewhere on the freeway. And suddenly, the truck in front of us began…
Backpacking Rosary Reflection
In August, along with a number of my fellow student brothers, I had the opportunity to go on a three-night, four-day backpacking trip through…
Crossing 2020 to 2021
No doubt that the year 2020 has been a year of tremendous hardship. As we reach the last days of this year, we look forward to 2021 with great…
A Season of Hope
One prominent theme of the season of Advent is the virtue of hope. In preparing for Christmas, we foster hopeful expectation for the coming Messiah.…
Vigil and Funeral Mass Schedule
Please pray for the repose of the soul of our beloved brothers, Fr. Augustine Hartman, O.P., and Br. Daniel Thomas, O.P.The vigil for both friars…
Getting Ready for Christmas
The season of Advent is here, and now that we’re getting some cold weather, it’s finally starting to feel like winter! For me, this weather gets…
How to Be a Neighbor
We live in perhaps one of the most divided eras of our nation’s history. While the dust is beginning to settle from this rough year, it still…
The Jesus Prayer
The Jesus PrayerOne of the most well-known and beloved prayers in Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches is the Jesus Prayer. There are…
Sunflowers! Thank God!
Harvest festivals, like our American Thanksgiving, are found all over the world. From Korean Chuseok to Jewish Succoth, many farming societies…
A Meditation on Ecclesiastes
All men are dust and to dust they shall return. This is a seemingly grim statement, yet it is also one imbued with humility. What is man, whose…
Reflections on Death
Why does the Church focus on death? In his monastic rule St. Benedict tells his monks to “keep death daily before your eyes.” St. Jerome is famously…
Serving
By the grace of God, I was ordained to the diaconate this past month, and I have had the privilege to serve at Mass as a deacon.Part of the petition…
Crash Course: How to Discern Your Vocation
I spent several years discerning my vocation before I joined the Order. Despite the stress and uncertainty, the process of discernment was incredibly…
How to Waste Time Like a Saint
Our common life as Dominicans follows a daily schedule of prayer and meals called an horarium, but that still leaves us with a lot of time left…
Wise Habits: 30 minutes with DSPT Scholars
On behalf of Fr. Peter Rogers, O.P., and everyone at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, we are excited to announce a new online…
The Eucharist: Our Burning Bush
“And the angel of the Lord appeared to [Moses] in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning,…
Valuing Truth Wherever It Is Found
St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the intellectual luminaries of our Order, is a model thinker. He integrated the thought of diverse intellectuals in…
Rosary with the Dominicans - LIVESTREAM on October 7th at 8PM
Oct. 7 - 8PM - Watch the Livestream here
Rosary Sunday is Here!
Praise God, vocations continue to grow, even during these challenging times!This week is our annual Rosary Sunday: Dominican Student Appeal,…
An Abridged History of Catholic Campus Ministry - 2nd Edition
Dominican Father, Albert Felice-Pace, O.P,. has published an updated 2nd edition of his book, “An Abridged History of Catholic Campus Ministry”.In…
Livestream: Saturday Night Rosary with the Dominicans
I was so happy to see hundreds of you join me for the Rosary last Saturday. We've now planned to livestream another Rosary tomorrow at the same…
UPDATE: Ordination Mass 2020
Ordinations The Dominican Friars of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and the Vietnamese Vicariate of Saint Vincent Liemjoyfully announce…
NOVICE PRAYER PLEDGE 2020
Will You Pray for Our 7 New Novices?Praise God, Dominican vocations continue to grow in the West!On August 18th, our seven new postulants arrived…
Three More Friars to Make First Profession
The Dominican Friars of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesusjoyfully announce the First Profession of their BrothersMichael Thomas CainXavier…
The New Mission West Newsletter Now Available
One of the best ways to stay updated with the Dominicans is to get our quarterly Newsletter. The latest one is just now reaching our donors and…
Captivated by the Master: A Theological Consideration of Jesus Christ
Theologian Fr. Brian Mullady, O.P. brings enlightenment and consolation to the faithful with this concise yet powerful summary of the teachings…
Livestream Now from Blessed Sacrament Church in Seattle
Livestream Now from Blessed Sacrament Church in SeattleWe are pleased to announced that our Sunday Mass Livestream at 9:30am PDT will now be…
Br. John Winkowitsch, O.P., to profess Solemn Vows
The Dominican Friarsof the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesusjoyfully announce theSolemn Profession of their Brother John Winkowitsch,…
Truth in 60 Now Available on YouTube
The Western Dominican Province has a new way to learn about the Truth, Goodness and Beauty of the Catholic Faith – the Truth in 60 series.Presented…
The Beauty of the Vow of Chastity
I love the vow of chastity! Yes, you heard me right. I, a twenty-four-year-old male, who grew up in the hyper-sexualized culture of twenty-first…
The Night is Always Darkest Before the Dawn
Psalm 130:6-7 “My soul looks for the Lordmore than sentinels for daybreak.More than sentinels for daybreak,let Israel hope in the Lord,For with…
The Ark of your Might
Today marks the 103rd anniversary of the apparitions of Fatima. All such apparitions are judged the way we judge any private revelation, namely,…
Dead Man Walking!
Readings: John 12: 24-26 | Phil 3: 8-14There was a morbid custom in parts of the American prison system before the 1960s: as a man condemned…
Alone?
I am always fascinated by flying. It is remarkable how many people and systems have to work together in order to allow travelers to go from one…
We Shall Reap Our Harvest
When I was growing up, my family kept a garden. There would be a certain day in the mid-spring, a warm and dry day, when we’d start the work…
World Wide Rosary Rally - LIVESTREAM on April 29, 2020 9:00 PM
Watch the Livestream here
The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life for His Sheep
There is no doubt that the Coronavirus pandemic is a global tragedy. It has been heartbreaking to hear news of many dying weekly. However, I…
Solemn Vows 2020
The Dominican Friarsof the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesusjoyfully announce theSolemn Profession of their BrothersJoshua Gatus, O.P.Joseph…
Pandemic Reflections
This has certainly been a strange and disturbing few weeks we have lived through, with practically our entire world going into shelter-in-place…
A Short History and Theology of Spiritual Communion
With many facing limited or no access to the Eucharist, the practice of making a Spiritual Communion is becoming increasingly known. But what…
Praying in the Dark
A few people have told me that it’s easier for them to pray in the dark than in the light. So why is that? C.S. Lewis inquires, “Why must holy…
Special Mass for COVID-19 Intentions on April 6th
On April 6th, Fr. James Moore, O.P., will be celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for you, your loved ones, anyone who is sick or has died…
Sacred Study in a Time of Isolation
Throughout the world people are on lockdown, confined to their homes, with their lives put on hold until the COVID-19 pandemic ends. Along with…
Is repentance an archaic response to Coronavirus?
When illness or plague struck Christian or Jewish people in the past, their two-pronged reaction was 1) to cure or flee from it, and 2) to repent…
SUNDAY MASS LIVESTREAM: March 22, 9:30am PDT
SUNDAY MASS LIVESTREAM: March 22, 9:30am PDTSunday Mass will again be livestreamed from St. Albert the Great Priory Chapel at 9:30am PDT, Sunday,…
What Is Man That You Should Care for Him?
The Catholic Church has a very exalted view of human nature. The creation narrative in the book of Genesis reveals the powerful Word with which…
Persevere in the Race
St. Paul famously likens perseverance in the ‘race’ towards heavenly glory to athletes who train their bodies for competitions in his 1st letter…
Lenten Aspirations
The season of Lent is underway! This time of preparation for Easter gives us an opportunity to reexamine and refocus our spiritual lives. We…
The Gift of Understanding: Loving our Enemies
The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit originate from the Latin Vulgate of Isaiah 11:2-3, where the prophet lists the qualities of the “Spirit of…
God Around the Corner
“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,who walk in the light of your presence, LORD.” (Ps 89:15)You don’t need special training to…
Jordan the Magnanimous
Tomorrow is the feast of Blessed Jordan of Saxony, the second Master of the Order of Preachers and the successor of our Holy Father St. Dominic.…
The Lord Works in Everyday Circumstances
I recently recovered from a cold. It began gradually. I noticed that my throat hurt a little with every swallow. I thought to myself, “I’ve had…
Walk for Life West Coast 2020
Our friars and sisters walked together this year in witness to the dignity of every human life, especially those of the most vulnerable in the…
Ask!
“Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.’”…
The Mercy of God
I have been thinking about mercy lately. Mercy is something so fundamental to our Christian faith, and yet it seems to be so elusive. It’s not…
Seattle’s New Recording of Liturgical Music
At the beginning of this year, over twenty musicians — including Dominican friars from three different provinces — convened at Blessed Sacrament…
'Does Freewill Exist?' Lecture by Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.
Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P., to hold lecture at U.C. Santa Barbara at 6:30pm on February 18, 2020.
An Epiphany of Love
They shall bring gold and frankincense,and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD. (Is 60:6)This verse is found at the end of our first reading…
You Could Die Tomorrow
When will I die, and how? Will it be at the ripe old age of ninety after I’ve lived a full life? Will it be painless? What if I die tomorrow…
DSPT Convocation of the College of Fellows
How can Catholics evangelize in a culture that calls moral convictions “hate speech” and “intolerance?” Please join us for this important day…
Reflections for the New Year
It’s fitting that we celebrate January 1st as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. In her essay The Mystery of Christmas, the philosopher and…
Christmas in New York
On my first visit to New York City, I had the pleasure of being among the many tourists who flock to Manhattan for the holiday season. New York…
O Antiphons
Today, the Church begins to sing the seven, so-called “O Antiphons.” Dating from the early Church, these antiphons are sung at Mass and Evening…
Loving God as a Habit
I vaguely remember, as a child, being so proud of the fact that I could tie my shoes. I consciously thought through what my fingers were doing…
Advent’s Pregnant Pause
Advent has begun!We’ve entered into a pregnant pause. The hope of the world—of our lives—is imminent ! The canticles of Zechariah, Simeon, and…
Thanksgiving and Surrender to Divine Providence
While millions of Americans gather to give thanks to God for blessings given throughout the year, to many of us, it might be a difficult time…
Reflections of Entering Religious Life
Every year several young men from all over the country visit St. Albert’s Priory for a Come and See weekend. I will never forget my first visit…
St. Cyril and the Eucharist
St. Cyril of Alexandria lived between c. 378-444 AD and was the Patriarch (Archbishop) of Alexandria during a very turbulent time in the Church.…
Western Dominican Province Releases New Mobile App
OAKLAND, CA – The Western Dominican Province, a province of the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans), announced today the release of a new mobile…
An Instrument of God’s Healing
What are comforting words you would give to a couple burying their only child? How would you explain why—after trying to have children for many…
Fear of the Lord
In contemporary public discourse we hear much about “fear,” often with a negative connotation. We hear about “fear based politics,” “fear-mongering,”…
Praising God
We Catholics praise God. We, as His creatures praise God for many reasons. We praise God to thank Him, to adore Him, and to glorify Him. Praise…
Did Jesus Have Siblings?
One day, during my childhood, my mother and I were attending daily Mass. During the Gospel reading the priest proclaimed a passage from Matthew…
Leaving Home
Introduction: In July 2019, the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) held a General Chapter in Vietnam. A very democratic process, a General Chapter…
Doctrine for the Thirsty Soul
Theology can seem far removed from our spiritual life—a cold, dry, clinical exercise—like studying botany textbooks compared to gardening. Theologians…
Ad Ministerium
The diaconate is one of the most ancient offices of the Church, dating all the way back to the time of the Apostles. The Church has always recognized…
By the Grace of God
One of the biggest difficulties about wearing a white habit is that it is absolutely impossible to keep spotless. In a way, being a sinful, concupiscent…
Another Year Begins in the ‘School of Perfection’
Here at the house of studies, St. Albert’s Priory, we have started another academic year! Late summer and early fall are always times of transition…
Novice Class of 2019-2020
On August 29th, four men received the habit of the Order of Preachers and began their first year of formation as novices. Blessed with different…
Diaconate Ordination 2019
Diaconate OrdinationThe Dominican Friars of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesuscordially invite you to the Ordination of their BrotherGregory…
Take the Novice Prayer Pledge
On Thursday August 29th at 7:30pm, in a beautiful ceremony called Vestition, the four young men below will join the Dominicans; receiving the…
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Newman Center to Install New Crucifix
Today, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Newman Center will install as their main cross above the altar a replica of the original Cross of the…
"The Decalogue Decoded" Now Available
Fr. Brian Mullady discusses his most recent book, The Decalogue Decoded on EWTN Live with Fr. Mitch Pacwa. Watch it on YouTube here.For a full…
First Vows 2019
The Dominican Friars of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesusand the Vietnamese Vicariate of Saint Vincent Liem cordially invite you to…
Funeral Mass for Bishop Robert Christian, O.P.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of our brother, The Most Rev. Robert Christian, O.P., Auxiliary Bishop of San Francisco, who died on Thursday,…
New Master of the Order Elected
Congratulations to Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner III, O.P., who was elected by the General Chapter in Vietnam as the 87th successor of St. Dominic…
Bishop Robert Christian, O.P.
This morning, the Dominican friars of the Western Province learned of the passing of their brother, Robert Francis Christian, O.P., Auxiliary…
Wise and Compassionate
Matthew 25:1-12 tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids who went to meet the bridegroom’s wedding feast. Five wise virgins brought extra oil…
Dominicans Appoint New Director of Vocations
Fr. John Marie Bingham, O.P. grew up as the son of an Episcopal priest in Augusta, GA. After his family’s conversion to the Catholic Church in…
Residency Year
At this point in the academic year, I am finishing my year of ‘residency.’ This year – typically a student brother’s fourth year of formation…
Be Still
When it comes to leisure, many of us tend to associate it with time spent not working or studying, doing what we enjoy. In other words, leisure…
The Coronation of Mary
“Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.” As Dominicans, we pray these words quite frequently, after every Rosary…
The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption
When we meditate upon the fourth glorious mystery, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we should be meditating upon love; namely, the…
The Third Glorious Mystery: The Holy Spirit Comes Upon the Apostles at Pentecost
In the Third Glorious Mystery of the Rosary we contemplate the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles at Pentecost. Our meditation on this…
The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension
As we continue to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us meditate on the Second Glorious mystery, Christ’s Ascension into…
The Day of the Lord
Exult, let them exult! Having been baptized during an Easter Vigil, these opening words from the Exsultet have a special place in my memory of…
Mercy for a Traitor
Today, we are entering into the mystery of Holy Week, the most significant week in the liturgical year, the week in which God shows his ineffable…