The Four Pillars

Founded by Dominic de Guzman in the 13th century, the Order of Preachers was a bold experiment that integrated contemplation and rigorous study with an itinerant life of teaching and preaching. Dominic wanted the order to serve from the heart of the church and to offer a response to the needs of the world out of an active dialogue with the best learning of the time. The unique gift—or charism—of the now global Dominican family is a passion for truth, a passion pursued through communal study and contemplation and expressed in works of preaching and teaching. In more recent times, the foundational and sustaining elements of Dominican life and mission have been named as prayer, study, community, and service. 

From the day you join the Dominican community, you will come to view these four pillars as a way of understanding and supporting our mission to seek truth, offer compassion, and create a more just and humane world. We invite students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds and faith traditions to explore ways to integrate their personal beliefs with the four foundational pillars to advance their work and continue to help us grow as a community.