St Bonaventure
Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Bonaventure. During his life St. Bonaventure had played a very important role in both the medieval Church and the history of the Franciscan Order. St. Bonaventure had worked at the University of Paris, and during that time he was able to capture the hearts of his students through his academic skills and insights. St. Bonaventure was able to capture their hearts through his Franciscan love for Jesus and the Church. St. Bonaventure lived a life where Jesus was the center of everything such as his teaching, his administration, his writing, and his life. St. Bonaventure was known as the “Seraphic Doctor.”
St. Bonaventure was born in Bagnorea during the year 1221, St. Bonaventure was baptized John, and he was later able to receive the name Bonaventure after he had become a Franciscan at the age of 22. St. Bonaventure’s parents were named Giovanni di Fidanza and Maria Ritell.
While being in the order, Saint Bonaventure had encountered many difficulties and heresy, however, he had managed to structure the Order through effective legislation. St. Bonaventure was able to offer the Friars a very organized spirituality based on the vision and insights of Saint Francis. Always a Franciscan at heart and a mystical writer, St. Bonaventure was able to manage and unite the pastoral, practical aspects of life with the doctrines of the Church. Thus, there is a noticeable impact to his teachings and writings that make his writings very appealing.
Shortly before St. Bonaventure had ended his service as a General Minister, Pope Gregory X decided to make him a Cardinal and he appointed him bishop of Albano. However, a little over a year later, while participating in the Second Council of Lyon, Saint Bonaventure had suddenly died on July 15, 1274. There is a theory that he was poisoned.
Saint Bonaventure was able to leave behind a well structured and renewed Franciscan Order and a body of work all of which glorifies his large love for Jesus.
Prayer to St. Bonaventure
St. Bonaventure intercede that we may be able to guide more people to Christ. St. Bonaventure help us to pray for others so that they may be able to learn more about Christ and fall in love with Him.
Amen
St. Bonaventure pray for us
St. Joseph pray for us
May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.
Works cited:
Information (read from, not taken):
Franciscan media. “Saint Bonaventure. ”Saint Bonaventure | Franciscan Media. Accessed July 16, 2021.
Images:
Saint Bonaventure. July 16, 2021.Saint Bonaventure - Google Search.