sacramental friars nyt

Sandra Almird

2 min read

·

02-01-2025

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The clue "Sacramental friars" appearing in the New York Times crossword puzzle often leads solvers to the answer DOMINICANS. This isn't immediately obvious to everyone, so let's delve into why. We'll explore the connection between Dominicans and sacramental practices, referencing insights gleaned from resources like CrosswordFiend (though without directly quoting their specific Q&A format to maintain originality).

Why DOMINICANS?

The key lies in understanding the historical and theological role of the Dominican Order. While all Catholic religious orders participate in sacramental life, the Dominicans hold a special place due to their emphasis on:

• Preaching and Teaching: Dominicans, founded by St. Dominic in the 13th century, were initially established to combat heresy through preaching and teaching sound Catholic doctrine. This naturally involved explaining and administering the sacraments, solidifying their association with sacramental life.

• Intellectual Tradition: The order has a strong intellectual tradition, fostering scholarship and theological debate. This deep engagement with theology directly impacted their understanding and practice of the sacraments, making them particularly knowledgeable in sacramental matters.

• Inquisition: While controversial, the Dominicans' involvement in the Inquisition further highlights their connection to the Church's sacramental system. Their role in investigating and judging heretical beliefs touched on the crucial importance of properly understanding and receiving the sacraments.

Beyond the Crossword: Understanding the Dominican Order

The crossword clue provides a starting point for exploring the rich history and contributions of the Dominican Order. Beyond their connection to sacraments, the Dominicans are known for:

• Outstanding Scholars: Thinkers like Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican friar, profoundly shaped Catholic theology and philosophy. Their intellectual contributions continue to influence religious and secular thought today.

• Global Presence: The Dominican Order maintains a global presence, carrying out missionary work, educational initiatives, and social justice efforts worldwide.

• Emphasis on Contemplation & Action: The order balances contemplative prayer with active engagement in the world, demonstrating a commitment to both spiritual growth and social responsibility.

Other potential answers (though less likely):

While DOMINICANS is the most common and accurate answer given the clue's brevity, it's worth noting that other orders also heavily emphasize sacramental life. However, these would likely require a more specific or longer clue.

In summary: The NYT crossword clue "Sacramental friars" points to DOMINICANS because of their historical emphasis on preaching, teaching, and the intellectual understanding of Catholic doctrine, all of which are deeply intertwined with the practice and administration of sacraments. This seemingly simple crossword clue opens a door to a fascinating exploration of a significant religious order and its lasting legacy.