The Dominicans first arrived at Salamanca in 1222, shortly after the founding of the Order in 1217 and the establishment the University of Salamanca in 1218; which is the oldest university in Spain. This combination has given the Dominicans a rich historical and intellectual presence in the city. Within the city of Salamanca there are two priories of friars and a number of sisters convents. Those following pictures of friars are San Esteban and Sotomayor and of contemplative sisters of Las Dueñas. The first of the friar’s convents is primarily for professors and the second principally a house of students. This year the student community of Sotomayor is comprised of brothers representing four different provinces from two countries: from Spain, the Province of Spain and the Province of Andalucia (Southern Spain), from the USA, the Province of St. Martin de Porres (Southern United States) and the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Western United States); this last being the province of Br. David Orique. The institute of higher theological studies of San Esteban in Salamanca, where the Dominican students study has an illustrious history. Numerous religious (both Dominican and others) have trained here over the centuries, many being made bishops in both Spain and the Americas. It too has provided a steady stream of outstanding theologians for both Spanish and foreign universities. Countless missionaries and founders of Dominican provinces in America and the Philippines have prepared here before leaving Spain. Also, over the centuries, founders of universities and great writers principally concerning philosophy and theology debated and considered ideas of historical importance here. Now that we have a little history and background in our pocket, let's begin the photo journal !
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