Forerunners of the Friars

Today we celebrate the beheading of John the Baptist, who was a forerunner of our Lord’s birth, preaching, and death (cf. Office of Readings, 2nd Reading, August 29).

In the same manner, the Nuns of the Order of Preachers serve as forerunners to our friars by preparing the way for them through our prayers. Beginning from their entrance to the Order, throughout their formation and ministries, up to their death and repose of their souls, the nuns support the brothers by our prayers and penances. Free for God alone, prayer and penance are the way that we Dominican Nuns associate with the “holy preaching” of Our Holy Father Dominic. (cf. Fundamental Constitution of the Nuns, I)

Nine new novices are beginning their journey with the Western Dominican Province of the Order on September 3, 2026. Our community has prayerfully made their habit rosaries and has committed to match the prayers of the faithful for our novices. We invite you to become one of their prayer partners - offer a decade of the Rosary, a Memorare, or a holy half-hour of prayer for the novices, and we will match your prayers!

Sign up here: https://opwest.org/blog/novice-prayer-partner-2026 and invite your friends as well!