Since its papal approval in 1564, the Confraternity of the Holy Name has promoted reverence for the names of God and Jesus Christ in society. Members show honor through public veneration of the Holy Name, avoiding blasphemy and false oaths, and encouraging others to invoke the Holy Name with respect.
Proper speech about God changes the heart and leads to unity with our fellowmen. Built on a medieval rule, the Confraternity of the Holy Name promises men growth in faith, virtue, and brotherhood under the guidance of the Order of Preachers through formation, acts of service and devotion, and personal discipline.
Pope Leo XIV said, “It is essential that we too repeat, with Peter: ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ It is essential to do this, first of all, in our personal relationship with the Lord, in our commitment to a daily journey of conversion. Then, to do so as a Church, experiencing together our fidelity to the Lord and bringing the Good News to all.”
Today, many voices use the name Jesus for personal gain, causing division. Other voices promise to be the name of salvation, causing purposelessness. However, salvation is only found in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, who unites men and gives meaning to their lives. Men join a chapter of the confraternity to find accountability, structure, and direction for being a Catholic man in today’s world.
The Dominican friar Didacus of Victoria wrote the rule for the Confraternity of the Holy Name in the sixteenth century. To alleviate any confusion and doubt, Pope St. Pius V formally entrusted the confraternity to the Order of Preachers in 1571. By virtue of this apostolic privilege, it remains under the care and authority of the Dominican friars to this day.
Read the magisterial documents here.
This website promotes the Confraternity of the Holy Name in the Province of St. Joseph.
