THE DOMINICAN ETHOS - CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT OF HEALING AND RESTORATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS
The ethos of an organization can be understood as its fundamental character, disposition or spirit. In one year's time St. Dominic's Children's Home (SDCH) celebrates 150 years of unbroken service to children and young people who are socially displaced. A century and one-half is a very long time and so, at this junction, it is important that we ask ourselves:"Does the Dominican ethos still prevail at SDCH?" And, if it does, are its elements constitutive of a care culture that can facilitate the work of healing and restoration so needed by the children and families who call upon our services today? I believe that it does and it can and I propose using this blogspot as a platform for exploring and reflecting upon these questions.
The motto: "Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare" succinctly expresses the elements of our Dominican ethos - that is: To Praise, To Bless, To Preach.
Laudare
Praise speaks to a disposition or attitude of gratitude: an orientation towards
life in which life is
received as a gift; an orientation that enables us to behold the gift (even when it seems small) and so
give thanks. This orientation is maintained even in the face of adversity and human suffering.
Benedicere
received as a gift; an orientation that enables us to behold the gift (even when it seems small) and so
give thanks. This orientation is maintained even in the face of adversity and human suffering.
Benedicere
It is a way of being in the world based on the assurance that we enjoy God's Divine favour. To bless
is to 'wish well' unconditionally and, in order to speak a blessing, one must accept the inherent,
unconditional, worth and dignity of the other.
Praedicare
To Preach is to bear witness to the truth to others, in word and in deed.
