Since the Dominicans played so important a role in the early formation of the country there is an interest in the order and its history.
So as Dominicans we are trying to build on that interest. The main challenge facing us as is to connect Estonians' interest in their history and culture
with its Christian roots and faith. So now we are in the process of setting up a Dominican Center of Culture.
We have the good fortune to be perfectly located for this good work. What is left of the medieval Dominican Church and Monastery of St Catherine is at
the very center of Tallinn's famous historic quarter, which is also the liveliest part of the city. It is still called the "Latin Quarter" because Latin
was the Dominicans' common language. At present the Estonian government is working to investigate and preserve this quarter. So we are working co-operatively
with the archaeologists, scientists and artists currently engaged in this work.
In the mid 1990s the Master of the Order presented the re-establishment of ministry in Tallinn as a priority for the Order. So in 1996, 740 years after
the 1226 founding of the Priory of St Catherine in Tallinn, we returned to our ancient location in the Old Town. Symbolic of public interest in our return,
the Estonian government invited the Dominicans to live in one of the new housing units, which incorporated the restored walls of the monastery, and the
President of Estonia took part in the re-opening of St Catherine's House.
Today our mission is preaching to the small group of Catholics and the evangelization of the larger numbers of the 'unchurched.' In this work we draw
significantly on the spiritual and theological traditions of the Order. This approach enables us to present our beliefs all in maintaining good relations
with the people involved in the capital region's cultural and educational life.
We consider ourselves fortunate to bring our Catholic and Dominican presence to the countries of the former Soviet Union. For we have the opportunity
to witness to Christ among people from a variety of Christian traditions and from different cultures. Tallinn is an important crossroads between Russia and
Scandinavia. This is reflected in Estonia's cultural and religious pluralism, which includes people from the Orthodox, Evangelical, and newer traditions.
In our ministry we avoid any attempts at aggressive proselytism, for under the Soviets these people were subjected to fifty years of hard-handed treatment.
Rather we hope to give examples of harmonious co-existence, preferring dialogue on the intellectual level, and collaboration with our non-Catholic brothers
and sisters in concrete works of compassion among the poor and powerless.
The Catholic Church is a small minority in Estonia, so we want to be as
supportive as we can for the local Church. We would like to help the
Catholics in Estonia especially by our preaching and by celebrating the
sacraments. In addition, and given the religious and cultural pluralism
of Estonia, we hope to be able to respond imaginatively and faithfully
in whatever directions the Lord might open up for us as the Estonian people
restore their democracy.
The General Chapter of the Order in Bolonia spoke of the Order's need to
develop our ministry in the countries of the former Soviet Union. It also
made more concrete suggestions on ways to do this. With their advice in mind
we have established three areas where we will be working.
Evangelization and culture
Our mission as preachers in evangelizing and catechizing among Estonian Catholics.
Our work in ecumenical affairs.
Co-operation in the area of spirituality, culture and science in the work
of reviving the medieval "Latin Quarter" in Tallinn.
Compassion for the poor
Serving as ministers to and advocates for the poor through our ministry
of word and sacraments.
Co-operation with the local organizations serving the poor.
Intellectual mission of the Order
Teaching and adult education, especially in arranging
lectures on philosophy, theology and spirituality.
Co-operation with the local faculties of Lutheran theology.
Promotion of Catholic thought through publications and organization of a library.
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