Born: c. 1217, Bagnoregio, Papal States
Died: 15 July 1274, Lyon, France
Canonised: 14 April 1482
Feast Day: 15 July
St. Bonaventure was born Giovanni Di Fidanza, son of Giovanni of Fidanza, a
physician, and Maria of Ritella. He fell ill while a boy and, according to his own
words, was saved from death by the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi.
Entering the University of Paris in
1235, he received the Master of Arts
degree in 1243 and then joined the
Franciscan order, which named him
Bonaventure in 1244.
By turning the pursuit of truth into a
form of divine worship, he integrated
his study of theology with the
Franciscan mode of the mendicant life.
He became a Master of Theology in
1254, when he assumed control of the
Franciscan school in Paris.
Bonaventure was particularly noted in
his day as a man with the rare ability
to reconcile diverse traditions in
theology and philosophy.
Bonaventure’s defence of the Franciscans and his personal probity as a member
of his religious order led to his election as Minister General of the Franciscans
on 2 February 1257.
Founded by St. Francis according to strict views about poverty, the Franciscan
order was at that time undergoing internal discord. Bonaventure used his
authority so prudently that he preserved the unity of the order and reformed it
in the spirit of St. Francis. The work of restoration and reconciliation owed its
success to Bonaventure’s tireless visits, despite delicate health, to each province
of the order and to his own personal realisation of the Franciscan ideal. In his
travels, he preached the Gospel constantly and so elegantly that he was
recognised everywhere as a most eloquent preacher.
Bonaventure’s wisdom and ability to reconcile opposing views moved Pope
Gregory X to name him Cardinal Bishop of Albano, Italy, in May 1273, though
Bonaventure had declined to accept appointment to the See of York, England,
from Pope Clement IV in 1265. Gregory X consecrated him in November at
Lyon, where he resigned as Minister General of the Franciscans in May 1274.
At the second Council of Lyon, he was the leading figure in the reform of the
church, reconciling the secular (parish) clergy with the mendicant orders. He
also had a part in restoring the Greek church to union with Rome. His death, at
the Council, was viewed as the loss of a wise and holy man, full of compassion
and virtue, captivating with love all who knew him. He was buried the same
day in a Franciscan church with the Pope in attendance.
Bonaventure is the French form of the Latin name Bonaventura, meaning “good
fortune.”
St. Bonaventure left behind a structured and renewed Franciscan Order and a
body of work all of which glorifies his major love – Jesus.
References:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Bonaventure
https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=169
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bonaventure/