Text for the Times: Study and Dominican Life

Extract

The following is a translation of the Introduction to the new ‘Ratio Studiorum (Course of Studies) for the houses of study of the Order of Preachers.

The Task of the Order is Study

'Our study should be principally and zealously directed towards fitting us to be of use to the souls of our neighbours.'

According to this early tradition, study is one of the proper means for forwarding the Order's special task of preaching the Word of God for the salvation of the world. Apostolic preaching, the passing on of God's truth to the world of men, necessitates a deep and thorough knowledge both of revealed truth and of the teachings and ideas of men. The task of studying belongs in the first place to the whole Order as such: to our Order there is committed a theological and doctrinal role. As Cajetan wrote in the 1513 General Chapter, ‘Let others enjoy their own privileges; but if we are not commended by sacred learning, then our Order is finished'. It is therefore of great importance that there be formed amongst us well-trained brethren, able to assist the Church in her teaching office. Study is such an essential means in the Order that a clerical brother will not be living up to his calling and not fit to go out on his apostolic work unless he holds study in high esteem and applies himself to it properly.