In the medieval Dominican liturgy, developed by the Order of Preachers during the first fifty years after the Order’s foundation in 1216, the friars prayed the following words in the Preface of Masses celebrated in honor of the Virgin Mary: “It is truly right and just, fitting and saving, to thanks to you always and everywhere, Holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God; and that on this festival of Blessed Mary we praise, bless, and preach you with exultant spirits.” The Dominican Order gradually adopted three words from this preface as an unofficial motto: “Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare” — to praise, to bless, and to preach.
The original liturgical context of these words is a great help in understanding their significance for Dominicans. First of all, it is God who is to be praised, blessed, and preached. St. Dominic was known for always speaking to God or about God; this motto of the Order is a constant reminder that God is the primary focus of our prayer, speech, and preaching.
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