Doctors of the Church

This is a very special title accorded by the Church to certain saints. This title indicates that the writings and preachings of such a person are useful to Christians "in any age of the Church." Such men and women are also particularly known for the depth of understanding and the orthodoxy of their theological teachings. While the writings of the Doctors are often considered inspired by the Holy Spirit; this does not mean they are infallible, but it does mean that they contributed significantly to the formulation of Christian teaching in at least one area.

Name	Lifespan	Designation
St. Athanasius	296 - 373	1568 by Pius V
St. Ephraem the Syrian	306 - 373	October 5, 1920 by Benedict XV
St. Hilary of Poitiers	315 - 367	May 13, 1851 by Pius IX
St. Cyril of Jerusalem	315 - 386	July 28, 1882 by Leo XIII
St. Gregory of Nazianzus	325 - 389	1568 by Pius V
St. Basil the Great	329 - 379	1568 by Pius V
St. Ambrose	339 - 397	September 20, 1295 by Boniface VIII
St. John Chrysostom	347 - 407	1568 by Pius V
St. Jerome	347 - 419	September 20, 1295 by Boniface XIII
St. Augustine	354 - 430	September 20, 1295 by Boniface XIII
St. Cyril of Alexandria	376 - 444	July 28, 1882 by Leo XIII
St. Peter Chrysologous	400 - 450	February 10, 1729 by Benedict XIII
St. Leo the Great	400 - 461	October 15, 1754 by Benedict XIV
St. Gregory the Great	540 - 604	September 20, 1295 by Boniface XIII
St. Isidore of Seville	560 - 636	April 25, 1722 by Innocent XIII
St. John of Damascus	645 - 749	August 19, 1890 by Leo XIII
St. Bede the Venerable	672 - 735	November 13, 1899 by Leo XIII
St. Peter Damian	1007 - 1072	September 27, 1828 by Leo XII
St. Anselm	1033 - 1109	February 3, 1720 by Clement XI
St. Bernard of Clairvaux	1090 - 1153	August 20, 1830 by Pius VIII
St. Anthony of Padua	1195 - 1231	January 16, 1946 by Pius XII
St. Albert the Great	1206 - 1280	December 16, 1931 by Pius XI
St. Bonaventure	1221 - 1274	March 14, 1588 by Sixtus V
St. Thomas Aquinas	1226 - 1274	April 11, 1567 by Pius V
St. Catherine of Siena	1347 - 1380	October 4, 1970 by Paul VI
St. Teresa of Avila	1515 - 1582	September 27, 1970 by Paul VI
St. Peter Canisius	1521 - 1597	May 21, 1925 by Pius XI
St. John of the Cross	1542 - 1591	August 24, 1926 by Pius XI
St. Robert Bellarmine	1542 - 1621	September 17, 1931 by Pius XI
St. Lawrence of Brindisi	1559 - 1619	March 19, 1959 by John XXIII
St. Francis de Sales	1567 - 1622	November 16, 1871 by Pius IX
St. Alphonsus Ligouri	1696 - 1787	July 7, 1871 by Pius IX
St. Therese of Lisieux	1873 - 1897	October 19, 1997 by John Paul II
St. John of Avila	1500 - 1569	October 7, 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI
St. Hildegard of Bingen	1098 - 1179	October 7, 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI

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St. Romuald

St. Romuald was born at Ravenna about the year 956. In spite of an infinite desire for virtue and sanctity, his early life was wasted in the service of the world and its pleasures. Then one day, obliged by his father, Sergius, to be present at a duel fought by him, he beheld him slay his adversary. The crime made such an impression upon him that he determined to ... continue reading

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St. Augustine of Hippo

St. Augustine of Hippo is the patron of brewers because of his conversion from a former life of loose living, which included parties, entertainment, and worldly ambitions. His complete turnaround and conversion has been an inspiration to many who struggle with a particular vice or habit they long to break. This famous son of St. Monica was born in Africa ... continue reading

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St. Maria Goretti

Born in Corinaldo, Ancona, Italy, on October 16 1890; her farmworker father moved his family to Ferrier di Conca, near Anzio. Her father died of malaria and her mother had to struggle to feed her children. In 1902 an eighteen-year-old neighbor, Alexander, grabbed her from her steps and tried to rape her. When Maria said that she would rather died than ... continue reading

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St. Michael, the Archangel

St. Michael, the Archangel - Feast day - September 29th The name Michael signifies "Who is like to God?" and was the warcry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against satan and his followers. Holy Scripture describes St. Michael as "one of the chief princes," and leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been ... continue reading

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St. Catherine of Sienna Calls Each One of Us to Love God Right Where We Are

While praying at Peter's tomb, she experienced the great weight of the Church fall on her shoulders, and she offered herself and her ... continue reading

The Vision of St. John Bosco and the Papacy of Benedict XVI

Does the heroic leadership of Pope Benedict XVI represent one more fulfillment of the prophetic vision of the Saint whose Feast we ... continue reading

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