Friars Recently Professed

Newly Professed Friars Arrive to Dominican House of Studies

Cloister Garden

The many men who wish to consecrate their lives for the sake of the Gospel is a tremendous grace from God for the Church.  People ask us, "How are there so many vocations?"  There is no explanation except God's generosity and goodness.  Archbishop Augustine DiNoia OP offers an excellent "must read" response to this question in an address to the friars of our province (this text is available from the vocation office in pamphlet form).

But it is not just the Province of St. Joseph (Eastern) that has had a vocations boom in recent years.  In 2010 the Province of St. Albert the Great (Central) also had it's largest class of novices in many years. The Dominican Order has also done very well internationally, not to mention various congregations of Dominican Sisters.   (check out the 2010 class of novices' trip to Nashville)

Above high altar in main chapel - St. Dominic & Rosary

With growing numbers of friars in formation, our province has started to think strategically about what will happen with the lack of space when they will begin their institutional studies at the Dominican House of Studies (our seminary) in our nation's Capital.

We just built a new academic wing in 2009 but already there are problems with space.  This year we have 50 friars in formation, with over 80 friars at the Dominican House of Studies.

Below you will see a slide-show of photos of the 2009 & 2010 Novitiate Classes together at St. Gertrude Priory in Cincinnati, Ohio.  What follows are other photos of our friars in formation from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington DC.

Cloister during the De Profundis (prayers for the dead)

Main Chapel of the Dominican House of Studies, Priory of the Immaculate Conception

Eucharistic Adoration in Studentate Chapel

Dominican House of Studies, Priory of the Immaculate Conception

Basilica of the National Shrine across the street

L to R: Fr. James Brent OP, Bro. Peter OP, Bro. Cajetan OP & Bro. Peter Martyr OP

Please say a prayer for our Friars and for Dominican Vocations:

Bl. Jordan, Successor of St. Dominic

"Blessed Jordan of Saxony, worthy successor of St. Dominic, in the early days of the Order, your example and zeal prompted many men and women to follow Christ in the white habit of Our Holy Father.

As patron of Dominican vocations, continue to stimulate talented and devoted men and women to consecrate their lives to God. Through your intercession, lead to the Order of Preachers generous and sacrificing persons, willing to give themselves fervently to the apostolate of Truth.

Help them to prepare themselves to be worthy of the grace of a Dominican vocation. Inspire their hearts to become learned of God, that with firm determination they might aspire to be "champions of the Faith and true lights of the world.  AMEN."