The Spiritual Life Center is home to the Doctors of the Church Icon Collection by Ann Torrini. This collection can be viewed in the Main Assembly Room of the Center and is believed to be the only one of its kind in the world. It is our hope and prayer that the images you see around this room will awaken your heart and soul and inspire you to learn more about these great Doctors of the Church and their examples of living the life of Christ. Only popes or Church Councils can proclaim a person a Doctor of the Church and it is a rare honor indeed as there are just 33 Saints who have been given this title. The Doctor is a person who shows a holiness and a type of spirituality that is truly exceptional; a person who offers us a powerful message, example and contribution that will benefit all the faithful. For this reason all the faithful are encouraged to learn more about these extraordinary people who are proclaimed "Doctor" of the Church. The oldest Doctor of the Church is Saint Athanasius (295-373), the Doctor of Orthodoxy. The last proclaimed Doctor is St. Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897), Doctor of Confidence and Missionaries. Besides the holiness of life, the Doctors of the Church are also some of the most brilliant minds of our Church. Their writings remain treasures for us in our pilgrimage of faith. The Doctors are masters of the spiritual life. Much is to be gained if we follow, imitate and study these masters. If you come to the Spiritual Life Center and wish to view the icons of the Doctors of the Church, we ask that you call ahead and make sure the room is available. Then stop by the front desk and pick up a copy of the self-guided tour of the collection.
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