The Dominicans: Letters to a Young Man on the Dominican Order

by O P Paul Duchaussoy, O P John Procter (editor), O P Bede Jarrett (translator)

96 pages, Paperback

Published May 20, 2024

Reviews

[Francis E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of ten letters (followed by three small appendices) regarding the history of the Dominican Order and its nature. The author gives a brief sketch of the life of St. Dominic, the founder, together with his aims. The Order emphasizes study, contemplation, preaching, prayer, and penance. The Dominicans have historically given us many great men in theology, biblical studies, arts, and even in the natural sciences. To name a few, St. Albert the Great, St. Thomas Aquinas, Bl. Fra Angelico, Cardinal Cajetan, John of St. Thomas, Bañez, and more.

The Dominicans, following their founder, dedicated themselves to missionary work and evangelism, and even gave themselves to martyrdom (26,000+ martyrs from the 13th to the 16th century). The author dedicates letter IX to information regarding entry into the Order, such as the different stages, the length of each stage, the obligations of each, and the requirements of entry into the Order. The last letter (X) lists out various devotions in the Order, such as Eucharistic devotions, Marian devotions (like the Rosary), the devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, and the devotion of the cord of St. Thomas. The appendices deal with lay brothers and the second and third orders.

[Jack Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary of the Dominican charism through a series of letters to a young man considering a vocation. Recommend to anyone considering joining the order or just anyone wanting to learn more about the Dominicans.

[Mick Maurer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short work on letters to a young man deciding to become a Dominican.