Thursday, November 7, 2013

Feast of Blessed John Scotus

Blessed John Scotus is known as “Subtle and Marian Doctor”  can be defined as the theologian of the Immaculate who, in the words of Paul VI in his Apostolic Letter, Alma Parens of July 14, 1966, was the “Perfecter” of Saint Bonaventure and continues to be the “most distinguished representative” of the Franciscan School. As a perfect disciple of Saint Francis in the school of Christ and in the profession of the rule inspired by the Gospel, he was an authentic cantor of the Spirit and of the ideal of the Little Poor man of Assisi. “In this way, in his Works,” continues Paul VI, “the spirit and ideal of St. Francis are concealed”. In the treasure of his theology can be found “weapons of light to combat and chase away the dark cloud of atheism that darkens our times”. Lastly, one can draw from his doctrine “precious ideas” for “peaceful conversations between the Catholic Church and other Christian confessions” (cf. AAS 58 (1966) 609-614).
With his splendid doctrine on the primacy of Christ, on the Immaculate Conception, on the primary value of Revelation and the Magesterium of the Church, on the authority of the Pope, on the primacy of living well over knowing, on the possibility of the human reason to explain and make accessible, at least partially, the great truths of the faith, to show that it is not inconsistent with human reason, and maintain the excellence of charity over science, Duns Scotus remains to this day a pillar of catholic theology and an original master, rich in ideas and incentives to possess an ever more complete knowledge of the truths of the faithTomb of Dun Scotus

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