1. WHY DO CATHOLICS HONOR THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY?

As Catholics, members of the one, true Church of Christ, we honor the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. We call her the Mother of God, because she indeed is the Mother of the one Divine Person, Jesus Christ, Who has both the nature of God and the nature of Man. By this title of “Mother of God,” we simply refer to the Virgin Mary as St. Elizabeth did when “filled with the Holy Ghost she cried out... Whence is this to me that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?”
Catholics do not, as Protestants falsely believe, worship the Blessed Virgin Mary. We honor her who was so intimately connected with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. Yes, there is only one Mediator with the Father — Jesus Christ. Only the God-Man Jesus Christ could have redeemed mankind. Nevertheless, we pray to Mary that she may intercede for us with her Divine Son. Read more as given by Bishop Mark Pavirunas.

2. WHAT IS MENT BY THE PERPETIUAL VIRGINITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY?

3. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Any healthy male within the required age limit, with an SSCE or higher Degree depending on thier age can apply. All candidates are expected to possess good physical health, psychological and emotional maturity, and the willingness to live with others. New converts to the Catholic faith are normally eligible to apply upon their third anniversary of entering the Church.

4. IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?

The age limit for application is 25 years for undergraduates and 35 years for graduates. However, exceptions may be made on an individual basis.

5. I FEEL NERVOUS ABOUT THE PROSPECT OF RELIGIOUS LIFE AND/OR PRIESTHOOD. SHOULD I APPLY?

It’s natural to feel some anxiety about the possibility of any big life change. Have confidence in God! Good vocational discernment is neither rash, nor excessively prolonged. Keep in mind that it is necessary to accompany prayer with practical steps forward. For example, many men have found that their concerns or misconceptions were alleviated by talking with the brothers during a “Come and See” Discernment Retreat. Contacting the Promoter of Vocations, or making a visit, does not mean that you will be compelled to enter. Learning more about the Dominican vocation, along with seeing the daily life of a friar, are good steps towards making an informed decision. Furthermore, the Novitiate is a time set aside for deeper discernment without the commitment of religious vows.

6. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT LIFE-LONG CELIBACY. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

The Apostle Paul provides some practical advice on this matter: “The unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord; but the married man is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided...” (1 Corinthians 7:32b-34a). The consecrated religious sacrifices the natural goods of marriage and family to have a heart dedicated to God alone. Without the responsibilities of a spouse and children, Dominican brothers and priests are called to experience the supernatural love that God has for His people through fraternity and spiritual fatherhood. Religious life does not doom one to a life of loneliness. On the contrary, our common life fosters true and genuine friendships among the brothers.

On the topic of chastity, do not lose heart if you experience struggles. Chastity is devalued by our culture, and this can make a life of purity more difficult for many young men. Every Christian is called to chastity, but perfect chastity cannot be achieved in a day. Those considering religious life are especially encouraged to grow in virtue and self-mastery through prayerful devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, frequent confession, and a firm resolution to take up the cross of Christ.

7. I’M NOT HOLY. SHOULD I APPLY?

The religious life is a school of holiness for sinners, not for those who are already perfect. To enter the religious state, a desire to grow in holiness and to preach the Gospel is all that is necessary.

8. I’M CURRENTLY MAJORING IN A SUBJECT OTHER THAN PHILOSOPHY OR THEOLOGY. IS THAT A PROBLEM?

Not at all. Although you may benefit from a formal background in Philosophy or Theology, brothers come to the Order with a vast diversity of educational and professional experiences. The Lord will not neglect to use your talents and past achievements, whatever they may be, for His glory.

9. MY PARENTS OPPOSE MY DESIRE TO ENTER RELIGIOUS LIFE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Some brothers have experienced the pain of their parents’ opposition to a religious vocation. Many of the same brothers have experienced the joy of their parents’ conversion, often spurred on by their son’s entrance into the Order and mutual prayer. While religious profession certainly entails the embrace of a new life and a natural distancing from one’s family and friends, it does not mean that a brother will be cut off from them. Regular correspondence by phone and letter are encouraged, and the student brothers are allotted an annual “home visit” after Christmas. Friends and family are also welcome to visit at certain times, especially for celebratory occasions.

10. I READ THROUGH THE ARTICLES ON THE DOMINICAN COOPERATOR BROTHERHOOD AND PRIESTHOOD. CAN YOU FURTHER ELABORATE ON EACH VOCATION IN LIGHT OF THE DOMINICAN CHARISM?

The Dominican charism is unique because it doesn’t fit into the traditional distinction made between religious orders – contemplative vs. active. The Order of Preachers is a “mixed order” because the object of contemplation (God Himself) is the same object of the Dominican apostolate (preaching and teaching God). Each Dominican friar, both cooperator and cleric, is called to deeply contemplate God’s truth and beauty through Scripture, silence, common prayer, study, and meditation. While the Dominican priest takes the “fruits of contemplation” to share with God’s people through priestly ministry, the Dominican cooperator brother participates in the mission of preaching in a different manner. One’s talents play an important role in the life of a cooperator brother; whether those talents are in business administration, medicine, law, gardening, or cooking. All of his work is ordered to charity and the glory of God.

11. DOES MARY HAVE OTHER CHILDREN?