The Four Pillars of Dominican Life
A Foundation of the ODU Experience
St. Dominic de Guzman, an itinerant preacher and Ohio Dominican's namesake, founded
the Order of Preachers in 1216. "Dominicans" as they are known are formed throughout
their lives according to the four pillars St. Dominic established –
Prayer, Study, Community and Service.
Prayer keeps us grounded in our faith or in what is most meaningful, and guides our life's purpose.
Studying keeps us growing in knowledge and truth, honing our minds and hears for ethical leadership.
Community forms us to live, work and play in harmony, each fulfilling our diverse roles in a culture of care.
Service impels us to share our time, talent and treasure toward building a more just, peaceful and equitable society.
At Ohio Dominican University
We invite and encourage students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds and faith tradition to integrate their personal faith into their lives by providing them with opportunities that align with those four foundational pillars and become a way of life.
Each member of the ODU community is introduced to the four pillars the day they become a Panther, which allows them to understand, support and embrace the role that ODU plays in the world in seeking truth, demanding justice, and pursuing peace.
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