Nov. 8th is the 700th anniversary of Blessed John Duns Scotus

The humble Franciscan friar from Scotland who is best remembered for his defense of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, will be remembered throughout the Catholic Church this Sunday Nov.8^th.

Throughout the year, many conferences have been organized throughout Europe to celebrate this jubilee. Scotland his homeland held a special musical cantata in April to celebrate her famous son. In September an international symposium on the Mariology of Duns Scotus was held in the University of Durham (England). The national seminary of Scotland named after Duns Scotus held an art exhibition in honour of its patron on Oct. 5^th and a new statue of Blessed Duns Scotus was blessed and presented to the seminary.

Studies on Scotus’ theology, philosophy and spirituality have been presented in a multitude of languages. Institutes dedicated to Blessed Duns Scotus will have special liturgies and symposiums in honour of this little known theologian and philosopher – whose genius gained him the title “The Subtle Doctor”.

The Franciscan Order will organize in Rome a “Conference of all conferences” on Blessed Duns Scotus; drawing from the results of all previous conferences and summarizing them.

In Blessed Duns Scotus the Church had an excellent example of intelligence and holiness united; of thinking prayerfully and praying thoughtfully. The uniqueness of Blessed Duns Scotus has yet to be fully appreciated by the majority of Catholics, but the gates have been opened by Pope John Paul II who beatified him after 500 years of obscurity. Hailed by the late Pope as a “Spiritual Tower of Faith” (October 15^th 1980), Blessed Duns Scotus was held up to be the model of the intelligent Christian who humbles himself before the mystery of God.

Blessed John Duns Scotus, pray for us!