St. Bonaventure

St. Bonaventure, born around 1221 in Bagnoregio, Italy, was a pivotal figure in the Franciscan Order and a renowned philosopher and theologian of his time. He became a Franciscan at the age of 22 and was educated in Paris, where he developed friendships with notable figures like St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Louis, King of France. Bonaventure received his degree as a Doctor alongside Aquinas and taught philosophy and theology at the University of Paris. In 1257, he was elected Minister General of the Franciscan Order, a position he held for 17 years, bringing unity and order amidst internal conflicts over the interpretation of poverty. During this period, he composed significant works like Breviloquium and the biography of St. Francis, which was adopted by the Order in 1263. Bonaventure's leadership and writings were instrumental in preserving the Franciscan ideals. In 1273, he was appointed Cardinal and Bishop of Albano by Pope Gregory X. He played a key role in preparing the Second Ecumenical Council of Lyons but died on July 15, 1274, before its completion. St. Bonaventure was canonized in 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV. He is celebrated as The Seraphic Doctor of the Church, reflecting his profound spiritual and intellectual contributions to Christian theology and the enduring legacy he left within the Franciscan Order.