Doctor of the Church

Isidor von Sevilla

Hildegard von Bingen. Line engraving by W. Marshall. Wellcome V0002761

Pier Francesco Sacchi - Dottori della Chiesa - ca. 1516

Gregorythegreat

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Claude Vignon - Saint Ambrose - 68.43 - Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Doctor of the Church (Doctor Ecclesiae) is a title given by the Catholic Church to saints recognized as having made significant contributions to theology or doctrine through their research, study, or writing. The Eastern Orthodox Church and some other Christian communities also bestow similar honors, often under the same or similar titles. The title is not bestowed lightly and signifies the high esteem in which these theologians are held.

Criteria

To be proclaimed a Doctor of the Church, a saint must have a high degree of sanctity and be eminent for learning. They must also be proclaimed as such by an official act of the Pope or an Ecumenical Council. The designation implies that the teachings of the Doctor are useful to Christians in any age of the Church. Their writings are considered to offer key theological insights and are recommended for study.

History

The practice of naming Doctors of the Church began in the Middle Ages, with the first such designation traditionally attributed to Pope Boniface VIII in 1298, who named Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, and Gregory the Great as the first four Doctors. Over the centuries, more saints have been added to the list, encompassing a wide range of eras, geographical areas, and theological perspectives.

List of Doctors

The list of Doctors of the Church includes, but is not limited to, the following individuals:

- Ambrose: Bishop of Milan, known for his influence on Augustine. - Jerome: Scholar and translator of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate. - Augustine of Hippo: A theologian and philosopher, influential in the development of Western Christianity and philosophy. - Gregory the Great: Pope and author of the Regula Pastoralis (The Pastoral Rule), among other works. - Thomas Aquinas: Philosopher and theologian, best known for his work Summa Theologica. - Teresa of Ávila: Spanish mystic and reformer of the Carmelite order. - John of the Cross: Spanish mystic and poet, known for his writings on the soul's union with God. - Catherine of Siena: Mystic and author, who had a profound influence on the papacy and the Church.

Significance

The teachings of the Doctors of the Church hold a special place in Christian theology and spirituality. Their works are considered timeless, providing guidance and insight into the faith and its practices. The designation as a Doctor of the Church is not only a recognition of the individual's holiness and intellectual contribution but also serves as a recommendation of their writings to the faithful for spiritual growth and understanding.

See Also

- Canonization - Saint - Theology - Christian mysticism