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Doctors of the Church Guilds

“Doctor of the Church” is a designation of saints, whose experience and writings contributed significantly to Catholic theology or doctrine. To date, the church has designated four women as doctors:

St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) was a Spanish monastic reformer, who believed deeply in the value of contemplative life and asceticism. Her writings include The Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle.

St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) was an Italian mystic involved in the politics of her country and the papacy. Her relentless letter-writing eventually influenced a reconciliation between Pope Urban and Italian leaders and a return of the papacy from Avignon to Rome.

St. Therese of Lisieux (1873-1887) of France was an avid writer, known for her humility. She was often called “the Little Flower.” During her battle with tuberculosis, she wrote her autobiography, The Story of A Soul; 500 million copies have been printed in 59 languages.

St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a German Benedictine, mystic and prolific writer of prose, poetry, plays, musical compositions, lives of the saints and theological and medicinal treatises. Her music is still performed today and her scientific observations are still read and discussed.