Dominicans were "Blackfriars", as opposed to "Whitefriars" (i.e., Carmelites) or "Greyfriars" (i.e., Franciscans). They are also distinct from the "Austin friars" (i.e., Augustinian Friars) who wear a similar habit.

Dominicans Order Of Preachers | Institutional News | Informations | News from the Dominican World | ORDO PRAEDICATORUM | Curia Generalizia Santa Sabina

Dominican, member of the Order of Friars Preachers, also called the Order of Preachers (O.P.), one of the four great mendicant orders of the Roman Catholic Church. It was founded by St. Dominic in 1215. Its members include friars, nuns, active religious sisters, and lay Dominicans.

The Order of Preachers, commonly known as the Dominicans, is one of the most influential religious orders in the Catholic Church. For more than 800 years, the Dominican Order has been dedicated to preaching the Gospel, teaching the truth and helping others grow in faith.

Since the founding of the Order of Preachers in 1216, Dominicans have had as their purpose preaching and the salvation of souls. We are dedicated to the preaching of the Gospel, to liturgical and personal prayer, to a shared life in community, and to life-long study.

The Lay Dominicans are divided into four provinces within the United States. Which province you belong to is determined by where you live, as membership within a community is local.