The Dominican Order, also known as the Order of Preachers, are the original founders of Saint Martin’s Academy. As such we strive for our ethos at school to match as closely as possible to the spirituality of our Dominican heritage, including our House System at school.
The Dominicans have a profound and enduring devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. From its inception in the early 13th century, the Order has looked to Mary as its patroness, guide, and protector, weaving Marian devotion into its spirituality, mission, and daily life.
Saint Dominic, the founder of the Order, is credited with establishing this deep connection. According to tradition, during his mission to combat the Albigensian heresy, Saint Dominic experienced an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She presented him with the Rosary as a spiritual weapon for preaching the Gospel and inspiring conversion. This event marked the beginning of the Dominican promotion of the Rosary, a devotion that became central to Catholic life and remains a hallmark of the Dominican charism.
The Dominican devotion to Our Lady reflects the Order’s mission to preach about Christ with the same love, humility, and zeal that Mary exemplifies. Through the Rosary, theological insights, and daily prayers, the Dominicans have upheld Mary as a beacon of faith and intercession, inspiring countless souls to draw closer to her Son.
For this reason, our House Groups are inspired by the places & stories in the Gospels when Our Lady reached out and bought people closer to her Son.