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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…

News

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…

Features

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…

Events

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,…

Features

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…

Features

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.…

News

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…

Features

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…

Events

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

Features

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…

Features

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.…

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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…

Features

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…

Features

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…

Features

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…

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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…

Events

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…

Profiles

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,…

Features

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…

Features

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.”…

News

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…

Features

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…

Features

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,…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

Features

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.…

Features

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…

Profiles

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…

Events

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…

Profiles

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…

Features

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…

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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:…

Events

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…

Features

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…

Features

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,…

Features

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),…

Features

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…

Profiles

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…

Features

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…

Features

Christian Joy

This past fall, I have often found myself demoralized. There is a seemingly continuous stream of distressing news describing troubles outside,…

Features

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…

Features

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…

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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…

Features

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…

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To Learn and Serve

Residency year is typically the 4th year of formation for student brothers of the Western Dominican Province. During this…

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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…

Features

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…

Events

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…

News

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…

News

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…

News

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.…

News

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…

Events

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…

News

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…

Events

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…

Events

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…

Features

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…

News

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…

Events

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…

Features

Discovering a Desert in Bloom

The height of winter usually finds the novices of the Western Dominican Province roaming the deserts of the Southwest. This journey takes us…

Features

Live Lent Like a Dominican

Over the last 800 years, the Order of Preachers has celebrated the holiness of 103 Saints and 374 Blesseds in the Dominican family. Their witness…

Events

Novices' Southern Tour

Every year the novices visit our communities throughout the Province, on a southern tour in the spring, and a northern tour during the summer.…

Events

Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Lourdes

Fr. Allan White, O.P., of the Province of England, will be the preacher at this year's Novena in Honor of our Lady of Lourdes, celebrated from…

Features

Devotion to the Holy Name

As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, the titular feast of the Western Dominican Province, Fr. Augustine Hilander, O.P., our promoter…

Events

Ring In the New Year with the Novices

On Sunday, December 31 at 10:30pm, the novice brothers at Saint Dominic’s Church in San Francisco will lead a prayer service to end 2017. In…

Features

Double Take: Two Masses in Two Days

This year, since Christmas falls on a Monday, many people are asking, "If I only go to a Christmas Vigil Mass on Sunday, December 24, have I…

News

"Dominican Brothers" Book - Advancing the Mission

After a year of intense research, Fr. Augustine Thompson, O.P., has released his latest book, Dominican Brothers: Conversi, Lay, and Cooperator…

Events

Fr. Patrick LaBelle's Funeral

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Patrick LaBelle, O.P., who died on Monday, December 11, 2017.The funeral arrangements are as follows:Thursday,…

Features

Immaculate Mary: Facing the Dreaded Foe

In 1854, Pope Pius IX declared the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a dogma of the Catholic faith.* In the…

News

"Certitude of Truth" Now Available

In Certitude of Truth, Fr. Brian Mullady, O.P., reflects on the many works of Pope Benedict XVI, examining various aspects of the Church and…

Features

Prepare the Way of the Lord

As we finish the month of November, many people are already singing carols and setting up their Christmas trees. But before we celebrate Jesus'…

Features

Advent and Apocalypse

With the end of the liturgical year fast approaching, Fr. James Disney Thompson, O.P., offers his keen insights as to how we should receive the…

Profiles

Fr. Joseph Asturias, O.P.

Joseph Louis Asturias was born in Guatemala City in 1908 to Manuel Asturias and Rosa Coblentz Braun, the owners of large coffee plantations in…

Events

Holy Rosary Philosophy Conference 2017

Holy Rosary Church in Portland, Oregon will host the parish's first philosophy conference entitled "The Nature, Role and Scope of the Conscience"…

Profiles

Novice Class of 2017-2018

At the end of August, five men received the habit of the Order of Preachers and began their first year of formation as novices. Blessed with…

Features

Brothers in the Lord

"Within that region where the sweet west wind comes blowing...lies Caleruega, fortune-favored town...There the staunch love of the Christian…

Events

"Ecce Homo" Art Exhibit Opening

Blackfriars Gallery at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology will open its latest exhibit on October 15 at 2pm with a light reception."Ecce…

Profiles

St. Juan Macias, O.P.

Born on March 2, 1585 in Spain, St. Juan Macias is one of the lesser known saints of the Order of Preachers. Like his friend St. Martin de Porres,…

Events

Fr. Gerald Albert Buckley's Funeral

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Gerald Albert Buckley, O.P., who died on Tuesday, August 15, 2017.The funeral arrangements are…

Events

First Vows 2017

The Dominican Friars of theProvince of the Most Holy Name of Jesuscordially invite you to the First Profession of their BrothersJohn WinkowitschPaschal…

Events

Fr. Francisco Vicente's Funeral

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Francisco Vicente, O.P., who died on Saturday, June 17, 2017.The funeral arrangements are as follows:Wednesday,…

Events

Dominican Colloquia in Berkeley

Person, Soul and Consciousness: Philosophical and Theological PerspectivesHow do philosophical insights into the human person illumine topics…

Events

Priestly Fraternities of St. Dominic

Can one be a diocesan priest and a Dominican at the same time?Come and see from 3-8pm on April 25, 2017This informational meeting is open to…

Features

Dominican Traditions During Holy Week

Holy Week is a special time in the life of the Church, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Holy Saturday. During this period, we reflect…

Events

Ordination Mass 2017

The Dominican Friarsof the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesuscordially invite you to the Ordination of their BrothersChristopher Wetzel,…

Events

Solemn Vows 2017

The Dominican Friarsof the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesuscordially invite you to the Solemn Profession of their BrothersCody Hyacinth…

News

Fast Friars Run the Race

Most student brothers at St. Albert’s spend their Saturdays working on homework, preparing for ministry, or catching up on chores. But for Br.…

Events

College of Fellows Symposium

The Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology will host its annual Convocation of the College of Fellows on January 27-28, 2017. This year's…

Features

We Saw A Star Rising

While the Christmas creche is often attributed to Saint Francis, credited with making the first living nativity scene in Italy, the Feast of…

Events

Fr. Finbarr Hayes' Funeral

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Finbarr Hayes, O.P., who died on Tuesday, December 20, 2016.The funeral arrangements are as follows:Tuesday,…

Events

Pilgrimage to Portugal

Due to an insufficient number of registrations, we are sorry to report that the Rosary Center and Western Dominican Province's pilgrimage to…

Features

Why Christmas is December 25th

The near universal celebration of Christmas on December 25 dates to the early fourth century. It is commonly said that this date was chosen to…

Events

Conferral of Special Degree

The Dominican Friars are pleased to announce the conferral of the Master of Sacred Theology degree upon our own Fr. Michael Dodds, O.P., at St.…

Features

Praying for the Dead

For years Hollywood has portrayed purgatory as something it is not. Instead of presenting it as a process of purification before heaven, movies…

Profiles

Novice Class of 2016-2017

At the beginning of September, six young men received the habit of the Order of Preachers and began their first year of formation as novices.…

Features

The Power of the Rosary

The Blessed Virgin Mary plays an important role in salvation history. She gave birth to the Savior of the world, and because she was so closely…

Events

Br. Mark Gorski's Funeral

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Br. Mark Gorski, O.P., who died on Thursday, September 22, 2016.The funeral arrangements are as follows:Thursday,…

Features

Lift High The Cross

The sign of the cross has been a part of the Church’s tradition for nearly 2000 years. Constantly depicted in film and art, it has become one…

Events

First Vows 2016

The Dominican Friarsof the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesusand the Vicariate of St. Vincent Pham Hieu Lieminvite you to share in the Liturgy…