Who greeted you upon your arrival?
Br. David:  I was greeted by the Prior, the Student Master and the Sub-Prior.  I felt both at home and a bit uneasy. I felt at home in the sense that the common fraternity and way of life is universal (prayer, meals and recreation in common, the habit and other customs. The fact that St. Dominic was from Spain and we've studied a lot about him and his place of birth.)  I felt uncomfortable, in so far, as I hadn't spoken Spanish the entire summer before arriving so, the language was not flowing as fluently as I would have preferred. I had been in Portugal speaking Portuguese all summer, so every third or forth word of mine was not Spanish but Portuguese.

What is your favorite hour of prayer with the Spaniards?
Br. David:  I really enjoy Vespers combined with Mass.  We have them combined at 9:00 PM so the entire afternoon is free to study and do other things.  Although, I must admit that prayer is a wonderful blessing at any hour.  In spite of the difference of the language there is a oneness and sense the unity in the worship of God. While here in Europe, I have been blessed to pray in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. They all have a common beauty even though the languages are different.

(L-R) Brs. Bryan Kromholtz, Alejandro Crosthwaite, David Orique, and a French Dominican

These brothers visit a chapel in Toulouse, France where St. Dominic enjoyed praying.

Do they have any traditions that are different from the Western Province?
Br. David:  A few that come to mind;  The recreation time is after the main meal of the day, at 3:00 PM, and this very different from our common recreation before the main meal.  We of course only pray in Spanish.   This is a good question, but I need to think more about this question.

What is a common recreation for the friars?
Br. David:  Taking a walk through the city is safe, fun and practiced by many of the friars. The city is full of history, so a walk is wonderful.

What is meal time like?
Br. David:  Breakfast 8.15 AM after Lauds, main meal at 2:00 PM daily, dinner at 10:00 PM after Mass and Vespers.

After the conclusion of a retreat in Toro, Spain everyone helps the Dominican Sisters harvest the grapes from their small vineyard.  The sisters make homeade wine every year after the harvest season.

This is the student and senior community of Convento Sotomayor, Salamanca where Br. David resides and studies for this academic year.

What is your ministry there?
Br. David:  I am currently observing a variety of ministry settings in order to obtain an overall view of the way they do things here. The Student Master suggested focusing on the studies first before doing any particular ministry.  I do preach from time to time.

What is it like studying in another language?
Br. David:  It is getting easier, but at times it is challenging. The hardest part is writing clearly and correctly. My conversation and reading skills are  in good order and getting better daily.

Will your ordination be different from the American customary liturgy?
Br. David:  The liturgy will be basically the same, but the location will be amazing.  I will be ordained in a 13th century cathedral.

How large is the community?
Br. David:  Seventeen. 12 students (simply professed) and 5 senior (solemnly professed) friars.

What do you want to do or see before leaving?
Br. David:  I want to visit more people who are experts on Bartolome de las Casas, as there are many here.  There are many more places that he visited, and I am trying to see them all.  This is a huge adventure and challenge, because he was well traveled.

What is the highlight of your trip thus far?
Br. David:  The power of travel. I have grown a great deal in my capacity to love and serve others for the sake of the Gospel.   Living in another culture is a challenge, and it has helped me to love and serve in the name of Jesus Christ in an international, universal way.  Being in another country only helps me develop skills and an awareness that is invaluable to my vocation to preach the Gospel to all nations.

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