The friars are something of a hybrid between monks and diocesan priests. They live together in a priory, sharing prayers and meals. But unlike monks, they work in the broader community in preaching and teaching roles in churches, universities and secondary schools. It is a way of life that Pope Francis himself has chosen, shunning the papal palace for a guesthouse to \u201clive in community\u201d\u009d with bishops and priests at the Vatican.<\/p>\n
In the United States, the largest northeastern branch is expecting 18 novices to enter its theology school in Washington, which was expanded three years ago. In the smaller southern region based in New Orleans, the Dominicans are scrambling to finance an influx of novices \u201d\u201d six this year \u201d\u201d with annual expenses of $30,000 for lodging and theology education over seven years.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople see the habit in a much more positive light then clerical clothing, the black shirt, white collar and suit,\u201d\u009d said Martin Ganeri, who is a Dominican vocations promoter for England, where five people entered the order this year. \u201cThe habit doesn\u2019t have the negative image of the clergy, the child abuse issue.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n