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…
Blog
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…
Ordination Mass 2019
Priestly OrdinationThe Dominican Friars of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesuscordially invite you to the Ordination of their BrothersCody…
Fr. Mark Padrez, O.P., Accepts New Position as Executive Director of CMSM
Fr. Mark Padrez, O.P. - former Provincial of the Western Dominican Province - was recently selected to be the Executive Director of the Conference…
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
After meditating on the Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, and the Carrying of the Cross, with the Fifth…
Solemn Vows 2019
The Dominican Friarsof the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesuscordially invite you to the Solemn Profession of their BrotherChrysostom Mijinke,…
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
Among the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary, this is arguably the only one that focuses on Christ’s active role in His Passion. Christ…
Accept the Crown of Love
And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe upon Him, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on His head, and put a reed in His right hand.…
New Dominican Rectory Opens in Alaska
The Dominicans recently celebrated the opening of their new rectory in Anchorage, Alaska.On February 23rd, Archbishop Etienne – accompanied by…
The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
One of the first challenges that we face when meditating on the Second Sorrowful Mystery is that the Gospels only provide a minimal amount of…
St. Albert's Priory Lecture on Blessed Jean-Joseph Lataste, O.P. | March 27, 2019
Contact St. Albert's Priory at (510) 596-1800 for more information
A Vigil in Gethsemane
We easily see that the Church is wise in her establishment of Lent. We are sinners – selfish, carnal, and earthly-minded – and so it is no surprise…
And To Dust You Shall Return
For you are dust, and to dust you shall return (Gen 3:19).Most everyone agrees with this sentence irrespective of their views or religious beliefs.…
Pilgrimage: Walking with God
Christians throughout the ages have undertaken strenuous journeys to shrines far and near. Early pilgrimages focused on the Holy Land, on the…
The Chair of St. Peter
As we draw near to the feast of The Chair of St. Peter it is worth reflecting on what papal infallibility is and is not. People often think this…
Preaching Like St. Paul
Recently, in one of my Scripture classes, we addressed the similarities and differences between St. Paul and the Greek philosophers. The philosophers…
What is Morality About?
When I say the word morality, what do you think of? Your first thought may be of rules, duties, and obligations - dos and don'ts of what is acceptable…
St. Thomas and Obedience to the Truth
Dominicans are not especially zealous in promoting the veneration of our saints, a tendency that goes all the way back to our beginnings and…
Br. Frederick Narberes, O.P. Funeral
Please pray for the repose of the soul of our beloved Br. Frederick William Narberes, O.P., who died on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.The funeral…
Br. Frederick Narberes, O.P.
William Narberes, 81, a Dominican Friar of the Western Dominican Province, died on January 16, 2019. He was born April 30, 1937 in Martinez,…
What is Celibacy?
Every single person is called to love. If we do not experience love, life remains incomprehensible to us. But if we do experience love, then…
Does Jesus exaggerate when he says: “… apart from me you can do nothing”?
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”…
New Provincial Elected!
The Dominican Friars of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus joyfully announce the election of Fr. Christopher Paul Fadok, O.P., as Prior…
The Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding in the Temple
That the twelve-year-old Jesus clearly knew the Law and the Prophets is evident in the fact that the learned men even bothered listening to the…
The Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation
It seems an unusual requirement that Mary and Joseph should consecrate God’s own Son back to Himself. And yet, in obedience to the Law of Moses,…
How Does a Dominican Chapter Work?
Since the earliest days of St. Dominic, the Order of Preachers has been a fiercely democratic institution, embodying the principles of collegiality,…
The Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity
“Who has performed and done this,calling the generations from the beginning?I, the Lord, the first,and with the last; I am He.” (Isaiah 41:4)Secrets…
The Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
As we continue through the season of Advent, almost everyone anticipates the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning. For most people, it…
St. Jude Shrine Christmas Novena
“We are a ‘touchy’ people, Father… we like to touch.”Dear friends of St. Jude,I was invited for this past St. Jude feast by the devotees of St.…
The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
In my senior year of high school, I took over leading an optional lunchtime Rosary on Fridays in the school chapel. The usual attendees included…
Fr. Aquinas Costello, O.P.
Born Richard Costello in Lincoln, NE on September 1, 1926, Fr. Aquinas Richard Costello passed away quietly at Nazareth House on December 1st…
Fr. Aquinas Costello's Funeral
Please pray for the repose of the soul of our beloved Fr. Aquinas Costello, O.P., who died on Friday, November 30, 2018.The funeral arrangements…
A Century of Life & Service: Fr. Paul Aquinas Duffner, O.P.
Fr. Paul Aquinas Duffner was the eldest member of the Western Dominicans. He is also one of the few to have served at the northern and southern…
The Impact of the Lima Center
Last month on November 3, the Church celebrated the feast of Saint Martin de Porres, a Dominican brother who cared for the poor and the sick…
Advent: a Season of Watchful Preparation
In this moment between Thanksgiving and Christmas, while the carols are already playing, our liturgical calendar goes through its transition:…
Fr. Paul Duffner's Funeral
Please pray for the repose of the soul of our beloved Fr. Paul Aquinas Duffner, O.P., who died on Thursday, November 29, 2018.The funeral arrangements…
Dominican Study
Assiduous study ranks as one of the most salient features of the Order of Preachers. When one thinks of the Dominican friar, thoughts of great…
The Presentation of Mary
On Wednesday, the 21st of November, we celebrate the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ancient traditions in the church,…
St. Albert: A Model for Scientist-Theologians
On November 15th, we celebrate the Feast of a Dominican saint who deserves to be better known in modern times: St. Albert of Cologne (d. 1280),…
Dominican All Souls Day
Our society likes to forget about death. A common motivation for doing so is to avoid the pain of having to deal with the limitedness of our…
Truth, Technology and Transformation
Nearly twenty years ago, when he was a layman, several Dominican friars from all over the world invited Fr. Corwin Low, OP, to a small convocation…
Wanting Heaven
Whether it is in a silly commercial or a John Lennon song, I keep coming across this notion of forgetting Heaven, or of focusing on building…
Christian Joy
This past fall, I have often found myself demoralized. There is a seemingly continuous stream of distressing news describing troubles outside,…
To Be Super
The superhero story is a great success and fascination of our time. It holds captive not only children and teenagers, but adults as well. These…
A Perennial Call
I thank God for the many blessings of living with the Dominican community here in Bologna as I study Italian. I appreciate the robust community…
Where is the Kingdom?
Every Sunday we celebrate Christ’s victory over evil and sin. We might ask ourselves: what does the victory of Christ mean? What happened after…
The Battle of Lepanto and the Holy Rosary
Christian sailors joined Pope Pius V (a Dominican) in praying the Most Holy Rosary, and defeated a much larger Turkish force at the Battle of…
To Learn and Serve
Residency year is typically the 4th year of formation for student brothers of the Western Dominican Province. During this…
Set Apart to Serve
On August 8, the Solemnity of Saint Dominic, I received the sacrament of Holy Orders by being ordained a deacon alongside my classmate, Br. Cody…
With our arms extended
On September 1st, four of my Dominican brothers and I made our first profession of poverty, chastity, and obedience. When I returned to my seat…
St. Thomas Meets Richard Dawkins - Aquinas on God, Faith and Religion
Please join us for a look at what St. Thomas Aquinas would say to atheist Richard Dawkins today. This presentation is designed to appeal to a…
Profession & the Promise of Obedience
On September 1, 2018 five brothers professed their first vows in the Order of Preachers.Please pray for our newly professed Dominicans, Br. Elias…
Developing Dominican Leaders
When Saint Paul writes to Timothy to advise him on the important qualities to look for in prospective bishops, he begins by listing a number…
2018-19 Novitiate Class
We are pleased to announce that ten young men will enter the Western Dominican Novitiate next month at St. Dominic Priory in San Francisco, California.…
Commit to Forever
On June 22, four Dominican friars of the Western Province were ordained priests of Jesus Christ by Auxiliary Bishop of San Francisco, Robert…
First Vows 2018
The Dominican Friars of theProvince of the Most Holy Name of Jesuscordially invite you to the First Profession of their BrothersElias Guadalupe…
Bishop Comes Home
It’s been over 100 years since a Dominican has served as a bishop in California. But that all changed on June 5, 2018, when the Most Rev. Robert…
Fr. Thomas Paul Chrysostom Raftery's Funeral
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Thomas Paul Chrysostom Raftery, O.P., who died on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.The funeral arrangements…
Ordination Mass 2018
Priestly OrdinationThe Dominican Friars of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesuscordially invite you to the Ordination of their BrothersChristopher…
Easter Joy and the Resurrected Body
Saint Thomas would later be identified with his moment of doubt, but now it is not doubt that captures his mind. Jesus stands before him in the…
Western Dominican Named Auxiliary Bishop
The Holy Father has appointed Fr. Robert Francis Christian, O.P., as auxiliary bishop of San Francisco. Fr. Robert is the first Dominican from…
Solemn Vows 2018
The Dominican Friarsof the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesuscordially invite you to the Solemn Profession of their BrotherGregory Augustine…