Who We Are

The Lay Dominicans or Secular Dominicans, as they are called today, (and who in the past have been known as Dominican Tertiaries, members of the Third Order of St. Dominic, or members of the Order of Penance of St. Dominic, etc.) are “an Association of the faithful living in the world, who participate in the religious and apostolic life of the Order of Friars Preachers under the guidance of the Dominican Brethren and according to the Rule approved by the Holy See and thus strive for Christian perfection.” Although the word “profession” is often used (to describe their commitment - Ed.) they do not take public or even private vows and, therefore, cannot be called strictly religious; yet, in a wide sense, they may be called religious living in the world (R. Vahey, OP, Information). “Their vocation is superior to membership in a sodality or confraternity because it includes and embraces a more universal objective.” (J. RUbba, OP, The Third Order of St. Dominic) It is composed of lay people, men and women, single and married, who live in and are a sign to the world.

 

Source:

Fr. Eladio Neira, O.P. Lay Dominicans' Manual. San Juan, Manila: Life Today Publications, 1989