Christian Cyclopedia

(Ordo Praedicatorum, “Order of Preachers”; also called Fratres Praedicatores, “Friars Preachers,” Black* Friars [in England], and Jacobins*). The Spaniard Dominic (Dominicus; Domenico; Domingo; Dominikus; ca. 1171–1221; RC priest; canon at Osma), while engaged in efforts to convert the Albigenses* of S Fr., founded the order 1215. It adopted the Augustinian* rule and was committed to poverty (see also Mendicant Friars) and dedicated to teaching, preaching, and scholarship; but the rule of poverty was soon disregarded and was abrogated for the whole order by 1477. The order grew rapidly, esp. in cities. It engaged in missions, but its chief purposes were strengthening faith and combating heresy. The Inquisition* was largely, but not exclusively, staffed by Dominicans. They preached crusades. Notable Dominicans include Albertus* Magnus, Fra Angelico,* Fra Bartolommeo,* Cajetan,* T. Campanella,* T. de Torquemada,* Pius V (see Popes, 21), G. Savonarola,* J. Tetzel,* and Thomas* Aquinas. Attached to the Dominicans are a Second* Order and Tertiaries.*