News - Vocation News & Articles

All I desire is to become a holy friar, but each day I have to begin by praying to God in humility, “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.” The humble heart of the imperfect but maturing friar is acceptable to the Living and True God. My life is for God and you. May I become a holy preaching more and more daily as a friar of the Order of Preachers. Read more...

(Part 2 in a short series about our patron saint - Saint Martin de Porres.) Martin’s care for the rich, the poor, the sick, the oppressed, those who oppressed him, and even animals is a reflection of his love for Christ—his identification of his brothers and sisters as siblings in the family of God the Father. Read more...

There is the temptation to present only the happy, insta-worthy aspects of the life. But anyone who has been around priests and religious know that they are human - we get angry, sad, scared, happy, surprised, and everything else. Read more...

(Part 1 in a short series about our patron saint - Saint Martin de Porres.) At the birth of Martin de Porres the city of Lima had only been established 43 years earlier. The Gospel seed was still “fresh” in the land and Martin de Porres, the apostle of charity, would be part of a new generation of friars dedicated to the preaching of Jesus Christ. Read more...

The South is fertile ground for the Dominican mission of preaching the Gospel for the salvation of souls. But it’s also a region in need of good preaching, the Church is growing in the Southern US and we are truly blessed to be here and to be a part of that growth. Read more...

It’s so easy to skip over Advent, this penitential season in preparation for the coming of Christ, in favor of the more joyful Christmas season. But the waiting, the anticipation, the preparation can be a worthwhile part if we make the most of it. It’s in the work leading up to an event that makes the event much more enjoyable. Read more...

I had faith in Jesus that this is where he was leading me, I earnestly prayed about this, I trusted in the people around me when I asked their opinion about it, I followed the advice of other priests and religious that I trusted (strengthening my prayer life, spiritual direction, making visits). But ultimately it was a risk, I could have been wrong. Read more...

In a time when people won't go to a movie or eat a restaurant without looking up reviews and ratings, joining religious life in a place that is unpredictable truly requires a brave soul and a genuine man of God. Read more...

I’m fairly sure that at some point I used the expression “the writing on the wall” to refer to my vocation to the religious priesthood - especially once I realized that I had to take the next step and apply. Read more...

As a priest, there is still time to read. There are plenty of us that will pursue doctoral studies, but the notion of lifelong study isn’t simply getting an advanced degree. It is study for the sake of preaching for the salvation of souls.

Being in the Chapel in Adoration, especially at the end of the day, was like a nudge from Christ telling me not to worry or stress or agonize about all the things that day. Read more...

What motivates us? Pursuing the truth, the person of Christ, and not just pursuing, but wanting to know him and grow in friendship with him, eventually, being face to face with God in heaven. We know the end. So what is stopping us? Read more...

If you’re reading this then you probably know that religious life will be a challenge. Could it be that the Lord is calling you to join one of these communities? Read more...

Dominicans are involved in varied ministries. St. Dominic founded the order for “the salvation of souls.” He wanted his “friars” (from a Latin word meaning brother) to be well-educated preachers. Read the rest at Our Sunday Visitor...

The biggest piece of advice I received from other religious (Dominicans, Discalced Carmelites, and Franciscans) was to “give it a year.” “You will be tempted to leave after the first challenge,” they said, “but give it a year.” Read more...

Br. Greg Dunn, OP spent the Summer of 2018 working with the Missionaries of Charity in Kenya. Every Tuesday for eleven weeks, Br. Greg will offer a reflection on his summer abroad. Read more...

As part of the formation process of a Dominican Friar in the Province of St. Martin de Porres, the brothers are sent to do social justice ministry. This past summer Br. Carlos Salas, OP was sent to New Orleans, LA, to minister to the poor at the St. Jude Community Center. Read more...

On Monday, August 12, 2019, six young men began their novitiate at St. Albert the Great Priory in Irving, Texas. Read more...

On Saturday, August 10, 2019, Br. Andrew Martin del Valle, OP professed simple vows for two years. Read more...

On Wednesday, August 7, 2019, Br. Greg Dunn, OP renewed his vows for two years. Read more...