Doctors of the Church and Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara

Abstract

Every age has inspired people for the building up of the Church. Among them the ‘Doctors of the Church’ are prominent. So far there are 36 declared Doctors of the Church. Holy Spirit has moulded the Church through them. They were prophetically gifted people even to guide the Church hierarchy. For the organic growth of the Church, the Doctors of the Church made vital contributions in the life of humanity. Thus, they are ‘wise scribes’ (Mt 13:52), who could bring renewal of Christian life by updating the teachings and practices based on the older sources of biblical teachings. They make the face of Christ visible at all times, places and in all developments of the world situations. The length, breadth and depth of the Word of God are so unfathomable and the Word needs interpretation at different levels and at all times of the history of humanity. The Holy Spirit provides gifted people as guides and interpreters for all times. Their enlightenment and Christian witness generate a ‘new Pentecost’ from time to time. In that respect, the life and witness of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara amounts to that of a Doctor of the Church in many ways.