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 Saint Bonaventure, Seventh Century of Death Thirteenth Century Woodcuts 40L: Civita Bagnoregio 90L: Tree of Life 220L: Saint Bonaventure Scott 558-560 (1974) Born Giovanni di Fidanza in Bagnoregio (located near Orvieto, Italy), Bonaventure (ca. 1218-1274) entered the Franciscan Order in 1243. He studied in Paris, receiving his license to teach in 1248. In 1253 Bonaventure became Master of the Franciscan school at Paris and then Master-General of the Franciscan Order in 1257. He is considered as the ‘second founder’ of the Franciscans at a time of factionalism in the Order’s organization after St. Francis (d. 1226). Historian David Farmer states: "[Bonaventure] staunchly defended Franciscan ideals, but instead, against the teaching of Francis, on the serious need for study, and hence on the need for possession books and buildings. He confirmed the existing practice of the Friars, studying and teaching in the universities. He saw their role in the church as a whole as completing the work of diocesan clergy by preaching and spiritual direction…."He was a ‘moderate’ among other Franciscans and rejected the extreme position of the ’Spiritual Franciscans’ who advocated poverty above learning. David Farmer suggests, ‘His own ideals of simplicity, frugal poverty, diligence, and detachment from the rich as well as from riches were realized in his own life.’ Dawn Marie Beutner suggests his leadership created an environment that lessened factionalism in the order and enforced the Order’s discipline without harshness. Bonaventura wrote a biography of St. Francis which became the official version. He initially refused appointment as archbishop, eventually accepting the nomination of cardinal-archbishop of Albano by Pope Gregory X, who directed that Bonaventure could not refuse the position. Bonaventure was active during the Second Council of Lyon (1274), called to bring about a reunion of Latin and Greek branches of Christianity, and preached a Mass of Reconciliation on behalf of the effort. St. Thomas Aquinas died on his way to Lyon, and Bonaventure died on 15 July 1274 and was buried in Lyon. Bonaventure was canonized in 1482 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1588. He is often referred to as the Seraphic Doctor because of the ‘beauty and brilliance of his writings.’ References: |
