Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, just as we celebrate the heavenly birthday of the Bishop Saint Bonaventure, we may benefit from his great learning and constantly imitate the ardor of his charity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. - Mass Collect for Saint Bonaventure
Bonaventure was born in Tuscany, Italy, around A.D. 1221. In his youth he was afflicted with a grave illness which was cured by God through the intercession of Saint and Deacon Francis of Assisi. Bonaventure would go on to join the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor in 1243. He eventually went to Paris to complete his studies, and it was there that he connected with Saint Thomas Aquinas; these two friends received their doctorates together. Bonaventure was known as a gifted preacher and teacher.
In 1257, in his thirties, he took on a leadership role within the Friars Minor as their superior for seventeen years. His impact was of such significance that he is known as the second founder of the Franciscans, second to Saint Francis of Assisi. Bonaventure also put together documents and interviews, eventually producing an official biography of Saint Francis in 1263: Life of St. Francis.
In 1273 Pope Gregory X appointed him a cardinal and bishop, and gave him the responsibility of preparing the Second Ecumenical Council of Lyons. This is the council that sought to reunite Churches of East and West that were no longer in communion together. Sadly, he died before the council was completed. He died on July 15th in 1274.
Saint Bonaventure was canonized in 1482. Before this he was already placed in Dante’s heaven in his Divine Comedy the century between his death and his canonization (Paradiso 12). His memorial is celebrated on July 15th and he is known as the Seraphic Doctor. He was of immense theological importance for one of the greatest theological minds of the Church’s 2,000 year history, Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI). Saint Bonaventure, pray for us!
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