This is a difficult question to answer!

We are all familiar with the story of Saint Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts of the Apostles, chapter 9) where he encountered God and was called.

It is the story of a truly inspiring and dramatic calling, one that is out of the ordinary. And perhaps it is that word ‘ordinary’ that we should focus on here. Remember, when Jesus called the first disciples, they were ordinary men going about their ordinary business. But called by the Lord, they certainly were.

The Irish Dominicans are a group of approximately 180 men from various backgrounds and locations. Ask any one of us how we were called, and you will find many different answers. But there is one common thread that links us together – the desire to preach the Word of God!

All through history, God has been calling ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

If you feel that you have a strong desire to share your faith with others, to open up the mystery of God for people, a willingness to be on the side of those who are oppressed and a passion for justice through preaching the Gospel, then perhaps God is inviting you to follow in the footsteps of Saint Dominic.

All of us are called to proclaim the Gospel by the nature of our baptism, but living it in faith and trust and mutual support of others who share that same ideal could prompt you to understand that God is calling you in a unique way – the Dominican way.