St. John of Avila to be next Doctor of the Church?

May 05, 2011

Pope Benedict may soon name St. John of Avila (1500-69) the 34th Doctor of the Church, according to the I-Media news agency. Known as the Apostle of Andalusia, the saint helped develop the theology of the priesthood and is the patron saint of the Spanish secular clergy.

“At a historical moment full of controversies and profound changes, John of Avila was able to face the great challenges of his era with fortitude, in a way known only to men of God: by relying unconditionally on Christ, full of love for his brethren and impatient to bring them the light of the Gospel,” Blessed John Paul II wrote in 2000. “This was the mystery of his extensive apostolic work, his vast literary output and his creativity in the task of evangelizing all areas of society.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Vatican considers naming St. Juan of Avila “Doctor of the Church” (Rome Reports)
• Blessed John Paul: Message on the 500th anniversary of St. John of Avila’s birth (Holy See)
• Saint John of Avila and the Reform of the Priesthood (Catholic Culture)