Pope to name new Doctors of the Church

(September 29, 12012) When Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate a Solemn Mass to inaugurate the 13th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on October 7th, he will also proclaim Saint John of Avila and Saint Hildegard of Bingen “Doctors of the Church,” the Vatican announced on Friday. St. John of Avila, a 16th century Spanish priest, was known for his preaching and for his reform of clerical life in his native country, while his spiritual works have enjoyed widespread popularity. The 12th century German mystic St. Hildegard of Bingen was a professed member of the Benedictine order. She is known for her extensive writings and mystical visions. Pope Benedict will concelebrate the Synod’s opening Mass with the Synod Fathers, and with Bishops from Spain and Germany, the countries of the new Doctors of the Church.