Blessed John Duns Scotus
ca. 1265, Scotland – Cologne, November 8, 1308
Born between December 23, 1265 and March 17, 1266, in Scotland, hence the nickname “Scot.” His birthplace, Duns, bore name of his family. As a child, hw came into contact with the Franciscans, with whome he began studying at thirteen, in the recluse of Haddington, County Berwich. After completing his studies in theology he was devoted to teaching, first at Oxford, then in Paris and Cologne. Here, on behalf of the general of his congregation, he had to deal with the heretical doctrines, but managed to concentrate for a short time the firm. He died a few months after his arrival, on November 8, 1308. John Duns is considered one of the greatest masters of Christian theology and is the precursor of the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. John Paul II Beatified him on March 20, 1993 calling him “the bard of the Incarnate Word and defender of the Immaculate conception of Mary.” His mortal remains are kept in the church of the Friars Minor of Cologne.
Roman Martyrology: In Cologne, in Lorraine, now in Germany, Blessed John Duns Scotus, a priest of the Order of Minors, which, of Scottish descent, master distinguished for subtlety of wit and admirable piety, he taught philosophy and theology in schools in Canterbury, Oxford , Paris and Cologne.
Source: Santi e Beati
