Memorial of St Bonaventure: 15th July

Memorial of St Bonaventure: 15^th July

St Bonaventure was born in Bagnoregio in Tuscany, Italy in 1221. As a young boy he was cured of a serious illness through the prayers and intercession of St Francis of Assisi. As a young man he went to Paris University to study the Arts. Inspired by St Francis of Assisi, his master of Theology, Alexander of Hales and the Franciscan friars he joined the Franciscan order in 1243 and in time became a teacher of Philosophy and Theology at the Paris University. He was elected as the Minister General of the Order in 1257 and through his influence deepened once again the love of the way of St Francis of Assisi among the Franciscan order.

Pope Gregory X made him Cardinal Bishop of Albano and he did much of the preparatory work for the Second Council of Lyons in 1274 where he died on the 15^th of July during the council. He was known as the Seraphic Father after St Francis of Assisi and was a contemporary and friend of St Thomas Aquinas. He once asked St Bonaventure where he gained his great knowledge and in reply St Bonaventure pointed to a crucifix and said “I study only the crucified one, Jesus Christ”.

St Bonaventure was a man of eminent eloquence and learning but more importantly a man of outstanding holiness. He was a kind person, compassionate and gentle, a true gentleman and Franciscan.

Hymn on Our Lord’s Passion by St Bonaventure

“Thorns and cross and nails and lance, wounds our rich inheritance. May these all our spirits fill and with love’s devotion thrill. Christ, by coward hands betrayed, Christ, for us captive made, Christ, upon the bitter tree, slain for man, all praise to thee”