Historic: See the Papal Bull that Recognized the Dominican Order 800 Yrs Ago

Wow! Talk about a history making document!

On December 22nd, 1216 – 800 years ago today – Pope Honorius III promulgated Religiosam vitam, a papal bull officially recognizing the Order of Preachers (also known as the Dominicans, named for their founder St. Dominic). The Dominicans had been around for a few years and had local episcopal approval, but this papal bull extended that recognition to the whole Church.

And the world was never the same again!

Here’s what the actual papal bull looked like:

You can click the image to view it full size. Check out that beautiful calligraphy!

You can read an English translation of the historic papal bull here.

Pray for the continued faithfulness and effectiveness of the Order of Preachers!

[See also: QUIZ: Which Dominican Saint Are You Most Like?]

[See also: Passiontide: Super Cool Catholic Dominican Video Game!]