RBWords - Volume 22 - Number 9: September 2009
Something to Think About
When St. Dominic founded the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) in 1216, one of the principal features of its life was to be itinerancy. Instead of the friars being vowed for life to a particular monastery, as monks are, they would be able to go where they were needed, especially for preaching against the heresies of the time. This feature of itinerancy is still an important element in Dominican life, although it is realized in different forms. There is an itinerancy built into the regional structures of the Order – i.e. friars attached to a particular geographic region (called a “province”) could be assigned to any priory of that province. (I have lived in eight different communities of the Southern Dominican Province!) They do not move about the province on a regular basis as part of their ministry since they might be pastors of a parish or campus ministry, or serve as university professors.
Some friars have a ministry that requires the itinerancy of travel. Friars who serve as provincial (or international) officials may have to travel to various houses of the province (Order) during their terms of office. Others may be, as I currently am, itinerant preachers, which is the truly original ministry of the Dominicans!
My ministry takes me many different places in response to invitations to conduct “parish missions” (a kind of retreat or spiritual renewal event at a particular parish) or retreats for clergy, religious or laity (usually at a retreat center) or perhaps devotional events such as a novena (a nine day series of services that invoke the intercession of a particular spiritual hero such as St. Jude). There are also single day events like a “Day of Prayer at a given parish or retreat center. Most of these events come to me by referral but I also do some “mail outs” to pastors or retreat centers in a given diocese or state.
As anyone who travels as part of their profession knows, there is an “asceticism” of the road that can be very demanding. I am blessed with extensive contacts who provide an occasional “refuge” when I’m away from my community. Others help with their prayers and encouragement. Some even give my name to people in a position to invite me to come and preach. I call all these folks my “partners in preaching” and I beg each one of my beloved readers to continue to keep me in your prayers as I go about the country to proclaim the Good News! IT’S SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!
It Has Been Said
“St. Dominic wanted his Order to be, and to called an Order of Preachers. This is the title he chose for himself and his companions, the title granted by the Church. It determined not only his mission but his entire way of life. While many are called to preach, there is a need for an Order of Preachers to remind the Church of its preaching mission. Just as there are Orders dedicated to prayer, missionary activity, the service of the sick and we are all called to these things in one way or another, we are a reminder to the whole Church of the importance of preaching. We should also try to excel in it.”
From THE MINISTRY OF PREACHING by Fr. Damian Byrne, O.P., (r.i.p.), former Master of the Order of Preachers.