A Doctor of the Church is a saint whose teachings have made an extraordinary impact on Catholic thought, deepening our understanding of the Faith.
To receive this title, a saint must meet three criteria:
- Their teachings must be theologically sound and beneficial to the Church.
- They must have shown remarkable holiness of life.
- They must be officially proclaimed a Doctor by the pope or an ecumenical council.
In other words, Doctors of the Church aren’t just smart; they’re holy. Their wisdom is paired with deep love for Christ and His Church.
The very first four Doctors, St. Ambrose, St. Jerome, St. Augustine, and St. Gregory the Great, were declared in the 13th century by Pope Boniface VIII. Later, two remarkable women joined their ranks: St. Teresa of Ávila and St. Catherine of Siena, named in 1970 by Pope Paul VI.
Today, there are 38 Doctors of the Church.
St. John Henry Newman—the brilliant convert, writer, and theologian—became the 38th Doctor of the Church on November 1, 2025, All Saints’ Day, Pope Leo XIV also named him co-patron of the Church’s educational mission alongside St. Thomas Aquinas.
Newman’s life and writings have inspired countless Catholics to seek truth with both faith and reason, showing that intellect and holiness belong together.
The wisdom of the Doctors of the Church isn’t just for theologians. Their writings can help each of us grow closer to Christ. In Set the World on Fire: A 4-Week Personal Retreat with the Female Doctors of the Church, author Vinita Hampton Wright invites you to spend a week each with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Hildegard of Bingen. Through their writings, Scripture, prayer, and reflection, you’ll discover practical ways to bring their wisdom into your own life.
Order your copy today from The Catholic Company!
