Dominicans

In a broad sense Dominican refers to a family of friars (clerical and nonclerical), cloistered nuns, professed sisters in apostolic congregations, and laity, all of whom consider St. Dominic de Guzman as their founder and inspiration. In the narrower sense Dominicans refers to the Order of Friars Preachers founded by St. Dominic de Guzmǹ in 1216. Honorius III gave formal sanction to their work on December 22, 1216, and on January 17, 1217, approved their title and preaching mission. The Dominicans were the first religious to abandon manual labor in favor of intellectual work. It is also the only religious order in the church that has received explicitly as its mission the ministry of preaching. The members maintain a balance of apostolic work and contemplative community living and are committed to lifelong study.

From the description of Fondo Domenicani, 1207-1809. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 145570224