Franciscan Doctors of the Church

Franciscan Doctors of the Church

The Catholic Church has recognized 45 men and women as “Doctors of the Church.”

Doctors of the Church are individuals whose teachings on faith - through their writings, research, and studies - have been determined as sound and of benefit to the church. In addition to significant theological contributions, these individuals also displayed a high degree of sanctity – hence they are all canonized saints.

The original eight Doctors of the Church were Saint Ambrose, Saint Athanasius, Saint Augustine, Saint Basil the Great, Pope Saint Gregory the Great, Saint Gregory Nazianzen, Saint Jerome, and Saint John Chrysostom. They were named by acclamation; the rest since have been named by various popes, starting with the addition of Saint Thomas Aquinas by Pope Saint Pius V in 1568.

Among the Doctors of the Church there are three Franciscans:

Saint Bonaventure, added by Pope Sixtus V in 1588

Saint Anthony of Padua, added by Pope Pius XII in 1946.

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, added by Pope Saint John XXIII in 1959

I wonder if Blessed John Duns Scotus will ever join their ranks? 

Let us pray to these fellow Franciscans for wisdom and guidance. 

Pax et bonum