Hierarchy
Doctor of the Church
Doctor Ecclesiae
What it is
A Doctor of the Church is a saint declared by the Pope (or a general council) to be an eminent teacher of the faith—outstanding in orthodox doctrine and holiness of life. The title is not a modern academic degree. It marks a lasting gift to the whole Church: Augustine, Ambrose, Jerome, Gregory the Great; later Aquinas, Teresa of Ávila, John of the Cross, Thérèse of Lisieux, Hildegard of Bingen, and others.
What it is not
A Doctor is not infallible in every opinion. Aquinas is not Scripture. The title does not mean every page of a Doctor's writings binds as dogma. It is not given for mystical experiences alone—teaching and sanctity both matter. Private revelation does not make a Doctor.
How a Catholic encounters it
Read them. Start with something manageable: selections from Augustine's Confessions, Aquinas on the Eucharist, Teresa on prayer. Let the Doctors form your mind so that slogans cannot. The Church gave you teachers; use them.