“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “Thank You,” that would suffice.”
― Meister Eckhart, OP (c. 1260 – c. 1327)
These are the words of a renowned Dominican theologian, philosopher, and mystic born over 750 years ago. They ring true this Thanksgiving Day when we take pause as people of faith and express our gratitude for all God’s blessings in our lives. I would like to take this moment to especially thank all who support the work of the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Albert the Great. Whether you help through your prayers or your monetary gifts, or both, our work is uplifted. The Gospel we preach speaks even louder because you join us in this mission to bring the Word of God to all people. You have heard by now that this Province of St. Albert the Great spans the Midwest, where some 150 Dominican Friars serve in parishes, on college campuses, at Fenwick High School, as educators at Aquinas Institute of Theology, and more. Friars from this Province also serve in Europe, Africa, South America, and at the Vatican. I am happy to report, as well, that we have over twenty men preparing for the priesthood, including six novices at our Novitiate in Denver. They are a wonderful complement to our Friars now on limited service or retired. I am often asked, “What do Dominicans do?” The answer is simple, and comes from another great Dominican theologian, St. Thomas Aquinas. He put it this way in his masterpiece, “Summa Theologiae,” where he wrote of a duty “to contemplate and to share the fruits of your contemplation.”. It is this compelling call to both the contemplative and active life that moves Dominicans to answer questions; the questions which we all face but may not have the time or the resources to tackle. With your help and prayers, our Province will soon celebrate its 75th anniversary. When we do so, we will remember you and all who have helped. That will be quite easy, you see, as we do this every day throughout our Province when we meet and pray in community. I conclude as I began – by giving thanks. This time I recall the words of the Apostle, St. Paul.
“I thank God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you I always pray with joy.”
Phillippians 1:3-4
May you have a Blessed and Peaceful Thanksgiving.
Yours in St. Dominic,
Very Reverend Charles E. Bouchard, O.P. Prior Provincial
