Doctor Of The Church (Noun)
Meaning
(Roman Catholic Church) a title conferred on 33 saints who distinguished themselves through the orthodoxy of their theological teaching; "the Doctors of the Church greatly influenced Christian thought down to the late Middle Ages".
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The title of Doctor of the Church was conferred on St. Catherine of Siena in 1970 by Pope Paul VI in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the life of the church.
- St. Thomas Aquinas, a renowned Dominican friar, was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1567 by Pope Pius V for his numerous writings on theology and philosophy.
- Four women, including St. Teresa of Calcutta, have been designated as Doctors of the Church by the Roman Catholic Church for their remarkable theological insights and contributions to church teachings.
- Pope Paul VI conferred the title of Doctor of the Church on St. John of the Cross in 1926, recognizing his significant influence on Christian mysticism and spirituality.
- The 33 Doctors of the Church are an elite group of saints who have been recognized for their profound theological wisdom and their enduring impact on Christian thought and tradition.