Within the Catholic Church there are thousands of saints, some famous, some not, and those saints can be broken down into different categories. Some saints are priests, some martyrs, some religious sisters and brothers, and some are Doctors of the Church. These aren’t men and women who were medical doctors- the

How does a saint become a Doctor of the Church?

Like the other categories within the Catholic Church, a Doctor of the Church is a specific designation. It means that the saint has contributed in a unique and meaningful way to the theology and Faith of the entire Church through their writing and teaching. It’s a title that can only be bestowed on a saint by the pope or a full Church council.

The first Doctors- Sts. Ambrose, Augustine, Gregory, and Jerome- were named in the 13th century by Pope Boniface VIII. Since then there have been 33 additions to their number. Most recently, Pope Francis declared St. Irenaeus of Lyon a Doctor of the Church. Nestled amongst them are 4 incredible women who have attained this title.

Why do Doctors of the Church Matter?

Personally, I love learning about the Doctors of the Church, and their writings are some of the most helpful I have found on my own faith journey. Of course, this makes sense because part of what makes a Doctor of the Church is the ability to help others understand their Faith more deeply.

But it’s more than that. In their own way, the Doctors of the Church are a microcosm of the Church herself- they come from all walks of life and all vocations. Granted, some saints have writing that is more dry and esoteric (looking at you Aquinas), but each and every one is a unique gift to the Church. I love that there is no one correct model for what it means to contribute to the Church. St. Teresa of Avila wrote books on prayer for her fellow sisters. St. Catherine’s letters to cardinals, popes, and lay men and women contain a wealth of good advice. Everyone will be able to find a saint to love amongst the Doctors the Church.

If you’re looking to deepen and grow your own faith, if you’re struggling with Church dogma or doctrine, take a look at the writings of the Doctors of the Church. I guarantee they will help you out.