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'''Saint Bonaventure''' along with St. Thomas and Bl. Duns Scotis is one of the most famous "Doctors" of the medieval [[scholastic]]s. He is also one of the Thirty Three Doctors of the [[Catholic]] Church. Bonaventure was a Franciscan, at one time even the general of the Franciscan order. Like the Franciscans in general his theology focused on the more "affective" and "mystical" side of the Christian faith on the will and love. The emphasis of the Dominicans including saint Thomas lay more with the intellect and truth. Of course these two should not be radically opposed, the ultimate truth of the Christian faith is that "God is love," and in spreading the Gospel we are called to, "speak the truth in love."

 

'''St. Bonaventure''' (b. 1221, d. July 15, 1274)  was an extraordinary [[Franciscan]] man of holiness and a miracle-worker. It was Alexander of Hales who said that Bonaventure seemed to have escaped the curse of Adam's sin. <ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02648c.htm St. Bonaventure] Catholic Encyclopedia</ref> To know him was to love him. An active preacher, a renowned teacher, a Theologian and a good friend of [[St. Thomas Aquinas]]. Known as one of the greatest of theologians, Bonaventure's mystical writings constitute his chief title to fame. He is called the Seraphic Doctor and was proclaimed a [[Doctor of the Church]] by Pope Sextus V in 1588.

 

 

As a child, John was seriously ill and his mother begged St. Francis of Assisi to intercede through prayer. He recovered and was preserved from death. At his Baptism he was given the name Bonaventure, "Good fortune!" As a young man, he joined the Roman Province of the Franciscans. Completed his education under tutelage of Alexander of Hales at Paris University and became a professor at the greatest school of theology in the medieval world. Bonaventure taught alongside St. Thomas Aquinas. Bonaventure was elected as minister general of the whole Franciscan Order at age 36 in 1257.

 

First, he restored a perfect calm where peace had been disturbed by internal dissensions within the Order. <ref>[http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=169 St. Bonaventure] Catholic Online</ref> He also assisted at the translation of the relics of [[St. Anthony of Padua]].  Composed a book on The Life of St. Francis. He was impressed by his authentically Franciscan devotion towards the Passion of our Savior; amongst his works is to be found an office of the Passion which he composed for the personal use of the saintly King Louis IX. <ref>[http://www.cin.org/saints/bonaventure.html St. Bonaventure 1221-1274] Catholic Information Network</ref>  According to Bonaventurian, the practical goal of spiritual endeavor for all is a lofty contemplative prayer, union with the divine wisdom. Was selected as Archbishopric of York by Pope Clement IV but in humility refused the position. Eight years later, Pope Gregory X compelled him to accept the see of Albano and made him a Cardinal.

 

Before his death he abdicated his office of General of the Franciscan Order. He was assisting at the Second Council of Lyons when he died peacefully before the council had ended July 15, 1274. On hearing of Bonaventure's death, Pope Gregory X said, "A man of eminent learning and eloquence, and of outstanding holiness, he was known for his kindness, approachableness, gentleness and compassion."

 

Mentioned prominently by Dante in Paradiso, XII, 127ff

 

 

*Commentary on the Franciscan Rule, his biography of St. Francis

*"Itinerarium mentis in Deum" -Journey of the Soul to God

*"De triplici via", The Threefold Way -complete summa of medieval mystical doctrine

*"Soliloquium", a sort of dialogue containing a rich collection of passages from the Fathers on spiritual questions

*"Lignum vitae", a series of forty-eight devout meditations on the life of Christ

*"De sex alis seraphim", a precious opuscule on the virtues of superiors

*"Vitis mystica", a work on the Passion

*"De Perfectione vitae", a treatise which depicts the virtues that make for religious perfection

*[http://www.intratext.com/X/ENG0026.htm The Psalter of the blessed Virgin Mary]

*"Journey of the Mind into God"

*"Collationes in Joannem" and "Collationes in Hexameron", commentary on the Fourth Gospel