Friday, April 13, 2012

Dominicans at Prayer



The video above which is 'doing the rounds' on Facebook and other media sites today shows some of the Dominican friars of the Lille community in France at prayer on scaffolding in their church. The church is undergoing cleaning and some renovation. While the video is humourous, it also gives an opportunity for reflection on the importance of prayer for all Dominicans.

Dominicans, men and women, are all members of the ecclesial community - both local and universal. Therefore all Dominicans are called to pray together. This ecclesial vision of prayer was at the heart of the mission of Saint Dominic - one which he entrusted to his followers in the solemn celebration of the Divine Office (or Liturgy of the Hours). This form of common prayer, 'the prayer of the Church', has been a constant in the Dominican tradition, and it is based on the principle that all Dominican communities pray together. While there are many forms and expressions of common prayer, in the Dominican context these words signify pre-eminently liturgical prayer in the name of the whole Christian community.

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