A man who governs his passions is master of his world. We must either command them, or be enslaved by them. It is better to be a hammer than an anvil.
–St. Dominic
Dominic was born in 1170 in Caleruega which is located in Spain. When he was older he studied the arts and theology in a Spanish university. When he was 25 years old he became a priest and followed the rule of Saint Benedict. In 1215 he and six followers founded a monastery in Toulouse. In 1217 he got the Pope’s permission to start the “Order of Preachers” (now known as the Dominican Order). Dominic made his headquarters in Rome in the year 1215. He then moved to the Church of San Nicolo Bologna on December 12. He later died on August 6, 1221 when he was 41 years old. Saint Dominic was canonized on June 12, 1954 by Pope Pius XII.
When Saint Dominic started the new order he must have had a lot of trust. He had to have trust in God because He has a plan for everyone. He also needed trust in his followers because when you work on creating a new order you become a family. He teaches us that you should have trust in others around you and in God. Dominic also preached about the rosary and made it popular in his time. He taught us to pray the rosary. “Arm yourself with prayer rather than a sword; wear humility rather than fine clothes,” he said.
— Mariana Haghighat
Today is the feast day of the patron saint of my Order, Dominic de Guzman. He founded a religious order based upon four pillars: prayer, study, community and ministry. Having just taken vows of simplicity, purity and obedience, I’ve promised to build my life around these four columns of spirituality. In doing so, I’ve joined a long line of my Dominican brothers and sisters, a line that would include St. Catherine of Sienna, St. Rose of Lima, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Meister Eckhart. As Spain moved into the New World, it was a Dominican friar (Bartolomé de las Casas), who fought against the atrocities committed against the Native Americans by the Spanish colonists.
So, I’ve joined into this Order with a wonderful tradition and a foundation built upon those things I hold dear. What, in the name of heaven, do I do now?
God’s peace,
James R. Dennis, O.P.
© 2012 James R. Dennis
Post Scriptum: For all of you who have offered up your prayers and support, I am eternally grateful. I thank God, and I thank you.
Domini Canes 
Will be praying for the Lord to clearly show you His will for your life and grace you with the ability to fulfill it. May He bless you richly as you seek to serve Him.
Rob,
I deeply appreciate your prayers. The gift of discernment is not always easy for me, and too often, I see grace only in hindsight.
Grace and peace to you,
Br. James
Since the Lord has brought you thus far, I have no doubt that He will continue to lead you on. Blessings to you and on all your work.
My dear Sister,
I think you’re probably right. May God’s lantern show you the way, also.
Pax vobiscum,
Br. James
So very happy that your mission will include your work here! Welcome back. I am blessed to have my life cross paths with your essence and I honor the vows that you have taken. What shall we call you now? ~Heart, Linda
Linda,
I remain simply Brother James, despite the many graces I’ve received, including the grace of your kindness.
Peace on you and your house,
Br. James
Obey our Superiors in the Order…and, personally I carry that back to Dominic himself….I am so blessed knowing you are among us, James.
My dear Brother,
Sound advice. And the blessing is reciprocal.
God watch over thee and me,
Br. James
“What, in the name of heaven, do I do now?”
Keep writing! (Among other things.) 🙂
Ben,
Sound advice, and advice from a writer I admire.
Christ’s peace,
Br. James
My friend, there is little I can add to what has already been so well said. It does seem to me that you have done quite well so far by carefully listening to our Father. I can’t think of a better start for you…or any of us. God’s richest blessings on you, Br. James.
My dear Barbara,
Thank you for the blessing, and also for your support and friendship. It’s a great comfort.
Pax Christi,
Br. James
Yes, I agree with Ben, that God’s plan for you probably involves writing! God bless you on this journey.
Liz,
I’m afraid it’s writing, since I’m lousy at finger puppets (wry grin). Many thanks for your good blessings.
God watch over you and your house,
Br. James
You’ll find out.
Bishop,
I know you well enough to know that is a comfort and a warning.
Many thanks for your support and encouragement along this road.
In Christo fratau,
Br. James
Oh, Bishop Hibbs, I bet we will!
I’m afraid so, Sister.
I’m thinking that you are going to take some of that prayer, study, community and ministry and mix it up with some of the peace of Christ and disturb people profoundly . . . (no, sorry, I have not gained any reverence since you took your vows)
Barbara,
Regarding the issue of reverence, I wouldn’t have it any other way (warm smile).
Pax et bonum,
Br. James
God be with you.
Oh, so thrilled for you, and for your Order. May God continue to give you the strength to be that hammer and not the anvil.
Carole
Carole,
I hope so, too. I cannot thank you enough for all your kindness.
God bless you and your house,
Br. James