Part 1. Dominican Spirituality, Where it all began

Last week, on the memorial day for saint Ignatius of Loyola, we spoke more about the key elements that has been a driving force of the Ignatian Spirituality that is a cornerstone for the Society of Jesus[Jesuits]. 

Today, we lay foundation to a 5 part write up,  that will highlight among other things,  the Dominican Spirituality and its purpose for the search of truth. First and foremost  wish to thank my Sister Veronica Masinga,TOSD of the the provincial lay Dominicans of south Africa for being  my teacher,on the sidelines. I have for the last year studying authorities that talk more about the Dominican spirituality especially on its importance of personal study and contemplation. 

After exploring the ignatian spirituality that strongly focuses on finding God in all thing and discernment, I wish to speak about the Dominican spirituality. The order of saint Dominic was founded in the 13th century by a Spanish priest Saint Dominic as the Order of preachers. Under the Dominican spirituality that is the defining cornerstone of the mendicant order, is a rich spiritual heritage that continues to inspire people around the world.

Saint Dominic wanted a spirituality that would seek to integrate contemplation, study and preaching in pursuit of truth and service of others.

So why did saint Dominic choose study,contemplation and preaching as the anchors of the Dominican spirituality? 

First we must understand that most founders were devising an approach towards maintaining truth in the midst of heresy. Saint Dominic together with Saint Francis of Assisi lived at a time when several heresies were prevalent in Europe, particularly in Southern France. Major heresies during that era included, catharism which by itself was a dualistic heresy that emphasised the struggle between good and evil. The heresy rejected material world and the authority of the Catholic Church. 

The second heresy was that of Waldensianism, which was from a reform movement that emphasized poverty, simplicity and Biblical liberalism. In being liberal they rejected certain catholic teachings and practices.

The third heresy was also dualistic in nature, manichaeism was a dualistic philosophy that saw the world as a battleground between good and evil, with emphasis on spiritual knowledge and ascetic practices.

Saint Dominic saw the need to have those working with him to study the truth in the midst of noises of these heresies.

He emphasised the preaching and teaching of orthodox catholic Doctrine basing his angle of the three pillars that make the catholic Church; Importance of scripture, Tradition of the Church and finally the magisterium or the authority of the church.

To combat the heresies of his time, st Dominic recognized the importance of study to gain knowledge and understanding in order to proclaim the gospel effectively. When one is well versed in theology and scripture, st. Dominic understood, would engage in meaningful dialogue and preaching.

Prayer and contemplation was another essential need that st. Dominic encouraged his Friars as it meant for cultivating personal relationship with God to seek for guidance and discern their mission. 

Finally saint Dominic was passionate about spreading the truth studied through preaching and in so doing it was an effective way to fight the heresies mentioned earlier. 

Through the charism of Dominican spirituality, his Friars deepened their understanding of God through studying of the scripture and contemplation. In so doing, the Dominicans could gain deeper understanding of God’s nature and will.

Study enabled them to communicate effectively in diverse audiences and by doing so they became doers of what they preach through serving others and sharing of God’s Love.

Saint Dominic vision for his order was rooted in his deep love for God, truth and passion for spreading the gospel. Saint Dominic’s era was not easy, especially if we mirror the world we have today where people are faced by the same kind of heresies as were in his time.

Dominican Spirituality remains very highly relevant today as it offers a frame-work for living a meaningful and purpose driven life. If we emphasize on contemplation, study, and preaching we can deepen our faith that will make us engage in meaningful work and serve others with compassion and love. 

With this introduction to Dominican spirituality done, the stage is set for the subsequent parts as we look forward to the mark the memorial of st. Dominic of August 8. see you tomorrow for the second part.

Felix Kilonzo.