Our Province

A Brief History of The Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

Dominican friars in the United States are affiliated into four general regions, also known as provinces.

The Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, commonly referred to as the “Western Dominican Province,” was founded in 1850 during the California Gold Rush.

From the very beginning, the territory of the Western Dominican Province has been a place in great need of evangelization and missionary activity. Our original purpose was to bring the Catholic faith to a rapidly growing population in the Western United States. While the population continues to grow, our challenge today is a bit different. With secularism, atheism, and religious apathy on the rise, particularly on the West Coast, the need for Dominican preachers is greater than ever.

At the forefront of teaching and preaching

Today, the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus continues to be at the forefront of teaching and preaching for the salvation of souls. We serve in parishes and campus ministries, international missions, special ministries for evangelization, prayer, education, and service to the poor and sick. We also run the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, which trains the future leaders of our Church and world. There are currently 140 friars in the Province, preaching the Gospel in virtually every major city across the Western United States – from Anchorage, Alaska to Los Angeles, California to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Suggested Reading

Mission West: The Western Dominican Province (1850-1966) by Fr. Fabian Stan Parmisano, O.P.
Download Chapter 1 of our province’s history

Dominicans are not afraid to preach the truth.

- Andrew - Snohomish, WA

I grew tremendously under the influence of the Dominicans. They instilled in me a love for the liturgy, the Eucharist, evangelization, and justice - and above all, love for Christ.

- Anonymous

You can trust a Dominican priest to be sound theologically and intellectually challenging; while maintaining a pastoral concern for the people in his care.

- Anonymous

Before meeting the Dominicans I had no real thirst to seek the Truth, and now seeking the Truth has become my life's work.

- Bayli - Deming, WA

The Dominicans have helped us immensely in our spiritual growth with their dedication...to praise, to bless, and to preach [the Gospel].

- Elpidio and Maria - Vallejo, CA

The Dominicans are the best preachers I've ever known.

- Erlinda - Benicia, CA

Our Dominican priests and brothers are true gifts!

- Frank and Jan - Oregon City, OR

Dominican preaching is a strong witness to the Gospel!

- Gena - Anchorage, AK

I attended the Newman Center in Salt Lake City over twenty years ago. It was there that I experienced a reconversion of my faith. I truly believe in the Dominicans' mission of training priests to be great preachers. People need to be inspired by the word of God.

- Gretchen - Ellensburg, WA

I've greatly appreciated the service of Dominicans through their orthodox defense of the faith, inspiring preaching, and ministry at parishes and on university campuses.

- Joe - San Diego, CA

Dominicans impressed me as thoughtful, educated and caring. They have an inordinate sense of the importance of community which coupled with their intellectual gifts is truly compelling.

- Kathleen - San Francisco, CA

Dominican preaching has changed my life and reaffirmed my eternal faith.

- Keiko - Brooklyn, NY

The Dominicans preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus powerfully and knowledgeably. I need this! And so does the Church and the world!

- Keith - Coeur d'Alene, ID

Through intelligent debate and real understanding of human nature, Dominicans model a brave example of Christianity.

- Lindsy - Glendale, CA

The Dominicans welcome, educate, and console us. I love them all.

- Luisa - Los Angeles, CA

As I listen [to Dominican preaching] I understand more the meaning of the Word of God. They easily connect with the people.

- Lydecia - San Diego, CA

Because of the welcoming of Dominicans and my Dad, I have returned to the Catholic Church.

- Margaret - Eugene, OR

So much of who I am today is because of the love, patience, wisdom, and preaching of the Dominicans. They showed me how to be relentless in seeking the truth, and I will be forever grateful. I want future generations to have Friars walking alongside them, teaching them how to fight for Truth, as they taught me

- Mariam - Seattle, WA

Please continue to form orthodox priests and brothers to teach and defend the faith with conviction and love!

- Mario and Theresa - Anchorage, AK

The Dominicans show great love for the people they serve.

- Mark and Patricia - Fairfield, CA

We feel fortunate to be part of the St. Dominic Benicia community, and value the friendship and guidance of many wonderful priests and brothers… Thank you for continuing to draw and form great men into service.

- Michael - Benicia, CA

What I most appreciate about the Dominicans is their joyful and unwavering defense of the Truth, and their annoying tenacity at making sure we understand (and make) distinctions!

- Michelle - Eastsound, WA

Dominican friars have been one of the largest influences on my faith, particularly while participating in their campus ministry at the University of Washington. Spending such a formative time with priests who not only openly and clearly preach the truth, but are also relatable models of how to live the Catholic faith, has taught me how to be an authentic Catholic young adult and show the beauty of God's love to others.

- Mikaela - Puyallup, WA

The Dominicans had a major influence on my learning and owning my faith while in college.

- Mikaela - Puyallup, WA

The Dominican priests helped me through the dark days of my father's passing, illness of a college friend, and loved ones coming down with cancer. Most of the outcomes can't be described other than miraculous! I feel the Dominicans have shown me a path that "turbo-charged" my faith through prayer, and how I can be helpful to others through prayer and corporal acts of mercy. This is something I have never thought could be possible until I witnessed it for myself.

- Mitzi - Antioch, CA

I have become a much stronger Catholic because of the preaching and writing of the Dominicans. I am so grateful for them.

- Nancy - Antioch, CA

We appreciate how Dominicans are committed to Mary, the Church, and defending the truth.

- Nick and Joy - Kirkland, WA

Dominicans taught me Truth, and have directed and inspired me in my personal spiritual life.

- Pat - Napa, CA

The first Mass I attended at a Dominican parish was so refreshingly orthodox and sacred, that I remained at that parish. More than educational, they provide and encourage so many catechetical opportunities to help us grow in our faith.

- Ronald and Toni - Anchorage, AK

We are so grateful for the tireless efforts of the Dominicans who serve us!

- Sarah - Anchorage, AK

The Dominicans impressed us with their consistent dedication to teaching the true faith. I cannot begin to describe the energy and focus these men bring to their work. The ministry that so many Dominicans have provided for my family has left us with a debt that could never be repaid, but we shall try.

- Sarah - Anchorage, AK

We appreciate the lively intellect of Dominicans and their comprehension of sacred texts. They discuss insightfully the internal life with God.

- Suzanne and Peter - Anchorage, AK

I just received your email with the link to "Catholic Spiritual Resources During the Coronavirus Outbreak" -- it is wonderful, much needed, and very much appreciated! In difficult times, the Sons of Dominic really do shine!

- Tara - Washington DC

Dominican friars awakened my faith as a college student through their ministry at the Catholic Newman Center.

- Tom - Littleton, CO

We appreciate the Dominicans for their charism of preaching and defending the truth of the faith.

- Tom and Mary - Ventura, CA

During my wife's life-threatening illness, I discovered the depth of my spirituality that Dominican friars have so graciously given me.

- William - Benicia, CA

We love our Dominican priests and their commitment, hard work, prayerfulness, and preaching.

- Christopher and Theresa - Los Angeles, CA

May God bless [the Dominicans] for bringing the Gospel to a world suffering from spiritual and intellectual poverty. Thank you for giving us hope.

- Daphne - Bellevue, WA

It is not for nothing that the Dominicans enjoy the nickname “God’s Hounds.” Their theological precision, liturgical reverence and pastoral solicitude, all informed and undergirded by a true love of Our Lady, have made them soul hunters of the best pedigree, even after 800 years. By the grace of God, may they have another 800!

- Christopher Check, President, Catholic Answers - San Diego, CA

[Dominicans] speak the truth from the pulpit and make it relatable to the average person.

- Mark and Patricia - Fairfield, CA

Holy Mass, devoutly prayed, with thoughtful and truthful homilies, matter more than ever. The Dominican mission is more important than ever.

- Anonymous Friend - Idaho

I just love and appreciate all the Dominican priests for their holiness, intelligence, preparation, and friendliness.

- Anonymous Friend - Washington State

The Provincial’s Message from the Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Fadok, O.P.

Dear Friends,

On behalf of all the Dominican Friars of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, welcome!

Following the example of our founder, St. Dominic de Guzman, Dominicans preach the Gospel of Christ so that every soul may come to know and love God.

Whether you’re a parishioner at one of our many ministries, a friend, a benefactor, discerning a vocation, or new to this site, we hope the resources here are helpful to you and your loved ones as you grow closer to Christ.

Without God’s grace and your prayerful support, our mission would not be possible. May God bless you abundantly, and may Our Lady keep you in her loving protection!