"Christ for the sins of men suffered the painful death on the cross, in order that you may be crucified to the world; and that, living in the world, you may be dead to the world; hating what it loves, condemning what it approves, acting in opposition to its deeds, and in no way partaking of its maxims or its corruption." (Jean Baptiste Feuillet)
For those interested in learning more about the Dominican Third Order, this classic reprint offers some unique insight into the spirituality of the order. 'The Manual of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order of Penance of Saint Dominic' was originally published in 1852 by Burnes and Lambert in London. Jean Baptiste Feuillet covers the basics of the rule and its underlying spirituality in just over 140 pages, closing with the traditional profession forms.
Although some of the information may be dated, all the spiritual maxims underpinning the rule are as valid today as they were in 1852. In fact, these have been the foundation of the Third Order since it was established by Saint Dominic himself. However, in today's lax climate in the Church, this book certainly puts more emphasis on certain corporal practices such as mortification which many neglect today. This emphasis can be deduced by the very name which is now not often used, 'The Third Order of Penance'. Most usually use the name of 'Lay-Dominican' or 'Dominican Third Order'.
The book opens by looking at the establishment of the rule which "furnishes to those who are engaged in the ordinary occupations of life a way of becoming really religious men and women in the world.." Some may think that the Dominican Third Order is a group of laypeople who occasionally group together desiring a more structured prayer life or deeper education in the Catholic faith. In reality, however, it is much more than this, it is a true religious vocation. A Dominican tertiary is every part of the Dominican Order as are those who live according to the First or Second order. Indeed all of the graces, favors, and privileges granted to the religious of the First and Second Orders of St. Dominic are also conferred upon the Third Order.
The manual covers all of the basic requirements for a tertiary including daily prayer and monthly and yearly observances. For example, some penitential practices include fasting from the first Sunday in Advent until Christmas, from Quinquagesima until Easter as well as every Friday. Abstinence from meat was practiced every day except for Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday or a feast day. The daily prayer of the divine office and other prayers and spiritual practices are covered.
The manual stresses the importance of doing penance, prayer and having Masses said for the deceased of the order. For example, "within eight days following the burial of the deceased, let every brother and sister say for his or her soul, the priests one Mass; the rest those that know the Psalter, fifty psalms; those who do not, one hundred Pater nosters, adding at the end of each, Requiem aeternam,. And besides this, every tertiary is obliged to have three Masses said in the course of the year..." In today's Church, we often quickly forget those who have passed on who may be suffering in Purgatory. The duty to pray for the dead is thus taken very seriously.
What are the dispositions required to become a tertiary? Someone with seriousness of mind, true piety, an unblemished reputation, and docility are required. Most importantly, they must also have a true motive for spiritual perfection. This means that the person must have a religious life in mind oriented towards this goal. The Third Order should not be compared to a book club or a mere confraternity of the laity who come together for prayer once in a while. It is a true reorientation of one's life. Therefore the manual prescribes a very rigorous preparation for those who are to receive the habit. There should be a several-day retreat accompanied by a general confession and frequent reading of the rule. There must be a firm resolution of "putting off the old man... and putting on the new."
Briefly covered is the formation of novices which should be instructed on praying the divine office and on the importance of accusing themselves of their faults and making firm resolutions to persevere in virtue. They must also be taught the importance of spiritual exercises, acts of charity, humility, and mortification. "For to be a professed brother or sister of the Order of Penance is to espouse the Cross..." In other words, "The intention of our holy rule is to furnish those who profess its observance with the means of attaining perfection."
The importance of the morning resolutions and the daily examination of conscience are stressed. Sometimes detailed instructions are given on different spiritual practices such as making a morning offering. Kneeling before the crucifix when one awakes, putting themselves in the presence of God, giving thanks and offering up all of one's thoughts, words and actions for the day for God's glory and the salvation of souls is explained. Daily prayer and reflection are explained as being mandatorily incorporated into one's life along with frequent participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The manual offers instruction on the many ways one can spiritually participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which has been forgotten in today's turmoil of "active participation." There is a brief section on how a Dominican should carry oneself in public including modesty of dress. A Dominican should always act in ways that are meritorious or agreeable to God. Everything must be done for God's glory and the salvation of souls. Idol talk should be avoided and time in silence is mandatory for one's spiritual growth.
There are also some practices covered that I have not heard of such as each Dominican being given by a random drawing, a Saint to study and imitate for each month of the year. This includes having a special devotion to that Saint, memorizing a sentence concerning the Saint to meditate on, along with the intent to exercise a particular virtue the Saint was known for.
In summary, this small manual offers a sobering perspective on the true essence of the Dominican Third Order of Penance. Whether you are already a Lay-Dominican or considering it, there is much food for meditation in this book. After having studied this work I now have a deeper understanding of what I have committed my life to and the seriousness of the obligations of being a tertiary. I bought my reprint copy online at Amazon. Happy reading!
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