Bl John Duns Scotus           November 8th

Franciscan Blessed John Duns Scotus, c. 1266 - November 8, 1308, was one of the most important theologians and philosophers of the High Middle Ages. He was nicknamed Doctor Subtilis for his penetrating and subtle manner of thought.

Scotus has had considerable influence on Roman Catholic thought, developing a complex argument for the existence of God, and arguing for a development of the doctrine of the Immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

He was born in Duns in the Scottish borders, and studied at Oxford, Paris and Cologne.  He has long been associated, in the oral tradition, with Trinity Temple at Carinish, North Uist, which was an important place of study for young Scotsmen of his time.

The national Seminary for Scotland took the name of Scotus College in 1993.