St. Dominic de Guzman and the Church’s Mission Today
Jesus calls His disciples “the salt of the earth” (Mt 5:13), tasked to preserve and flavor the world with the Gospel. Eight centuries ago, St. Dominic de Guzman embodied this call by founding the Order of Preachers, instituted “for preaching and the salvation of souls… that we might be useful to the souls of others”. Pope Honorius III confirmed this mission, calling the brethren pugiles fidei et vera mundi lumina – “champions of the faith and true lights of the world.”
About Dominic, Preacher
Born in Castile (1170), Dominic received early formation from his priest uncle, studied liberal arts and theology in Palencia, and lived as a canon of Osma in prayer and study. Encountering the Albigensian heresy in southern France, he chose persuasion over force, living simply and preaching truth with compassion. In 1215, he established his first community in Toulouse: combining the monastic discipline of vows and communal life with the active mission of preaching.
Dominic’s preaching flowed from deep study and prayer. He constantly carried the Gospel of Matthew and the Epistles of Paul, knowing them almost by heart. Jordan of Saxony recalled, “He gave the day to his neighbor, the nights to God,” often praying at the altar until dawn.
Four Pillars Dominican Life
Dominic structured his Order around four interwoven pillars – prayer, study, community, and preaching –
all directed to evangelization.
- Prayer: Daily Mass, the Divine Office, and the Rosary were the Order’s spiritual core. The Eucharist was Dominic’s source of strength; he leaned on the altar both physically and spiritually.
- Study: Dominic sent friars to university cities not to teach but “to learn” so they could preach more effectively. His maxim, from Proverbs 19:2 – “Without knowledge, zeal is not good” – still guides Dominicans today.
- Community: Following the Rule of St. Augustine, Dominican fraternity fosters charity,
accountability, and shared mission.
- Preaching: Grounded in prayer and learning, Dominicans proclaimed truth in pulpits,
marketplaces, and later through missions, retreats, and education.
Successors like Jordan of Saxony and Humbert of Romans deepened the Order’s intellectual and spiritual
character. Jordan summarized the Dominican rule as honeste vivere, discere et docere – “to live
virtuously, to learn, and to teach”. Humbert listed study as “of the greatest necessity” for saving souls.
This commitment placed Dominicans at the heart of medieval universities, forming saints and scholars
like Albert the Great and Thomas Aquinas. Their example affirms that sound preaching demands rigorous
formation, this is indeed true to this day.
Holiness in Action
The Acts of Dominic’s canonization list 25 signs of holiness: zeal for souls, love of poverty, humility, devotion to Mass, trust in Divine Providence. He fasted rigorously, prayed through the night, and cared for the poor and sick. Yet his austerity was joined to warmth: he corrected gently, consoled the troubled, and welcomed all with joy.
His final words to the brethren were a promise: “Where I am going, I will be more useful to you than I
have ever been on earth.” Dominic remains a spiritual father who intercedes for the mission of his
children.
Dominic’s life offers three enduring lessons for the Church today:
1. Truth with Charity and Courage:
In an age of confusion, Dominic shows that authentic preaching unites doctrinal clarity with compassion. Preachers must “love our faith by loving Christ”, speaking truth in love (Eph 4:15). Defend and explain your faith with a humble heart (Jude 1:3).
2. Formation for Mission:
Zeal needs knowledge. The Church must invest in deep intellectual formation for clergy, religious, and laity, so they can address modern challenges with confidence.
3. Sacrificial Love:
Like salt giving itself to season food, Christians are called to pour out their lives. For Dominicans, vows free them for mission; for the laity, simplicity and charity in daily life become powerful preaching.
As we face today’s spiritual and cultural challenges, Dominic’s words at death remain our
encouragement: to be “more useful” now than ever, if we remain faithful to the Gospel he lived. Through
his intercession, may we be true “salt of the earth” preserving faith, flavoring the world with hope, and
drawing all to Christ.
Written By:
Mr. JC Recto, OP
Lay Dominican