While there is no official list of the Fathers of the Church, since the fifth century the criteria for selection has been that the individuals lived holy lives, were orthodox in their teachings and writings, lived during antiquity (the first through seventh centuries) and have been approved by the Church. According to some historians, there are more than 100 total Church Fathers (in both the East and West); many of the same names are found on the different lists.

The Fathers helped define, establish and promote the dogmas of the Catholic faith. They not only explained and advanced Christianity, but they stood against those who would defame, deny or exploit our Lord, Jesus Christ. Here are a handful among the giants from the Western, or Latin, Church who have the title Church Father.

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