St. Bonaventure

BIOGRAPHY OF ST. BONAVENTURE

St. Bonaventure, also known as Bonaventura, was a Franciscan friar, scholastic theologian, and bishop of the Catholic Church in the 13th century. He is considered one of the greatest medieval philosophers and theologians, and is remembered as a Doctor of the Church, a title given to saints who have made a significant contribution to the understanding of the faith.

Bonaventure was born in 1221 in the village of Bagnoregio in central Italy. He was the son of John of Fidanza, a notary, and was given the name John at baptism. He joined the Franciscan Order as a young man, and took the name Bonaventure, which means “good fortune.” He studied at the University of Paris, where he became known for his teaching and preaching.

In 1248, Bonaventure was elected as the minister general of the Franciscan Order, a position he held for the next nine years. During this time, he worked to reform the order and to promote the ideals of poverty and simplicity. He also wrote extensively, and his works include commentaries on scripture, sermons, and treatises on theology and philosophy.

In 1257, Bonaventure was appointed as the fourth general of the Franciscan Order, and was given the task of completing the work begun by St. Francis of Assisi. He was also appointed as a cardinal by Pope Alexander IV and became one of the most respected and influential figures in the Church of his time.

Bonaventure’s theological writings were highly influential in the 13th century and have been considered as one of the foundations of Scholasticism. He wrote extensively on the nature of God, the nature of man, and the relationship between faith and reason. He also wrote on the spiritual life and the role of contemplation in the pursuit of God. He also wrote a life of Saint Francis of Assisi, which is one of the most important sources for the understanding of the life and teachings of the saint.

Bonaventure’s writings on the spiritual life are considered some of the most profound of his time. He was a great advocate of contemplative prayer and the use of the imagination in the spiritual life. He believed that the ultimate goal of human life is the attainment of union with God, and that this can be achieved through the practice of virtue and contemplation.

Bonaventure died on July 15th, 1274, in Lyon, France. He was canonized by Pope Sixtus IV in 1482, and was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI in 1923. His feast day is celebrated on July 15th. He is considered one of the greatest figures of medieval Christianity and his writings continue to be studied and admired to this day.

The Life of St. Bonaventure

Discover more about the incredible life of this great saint and why so many Catholic pray with a St. Bonaventure Medal and St. Bonaventure Rosary.

Saint Bonaventure is one of the glories of the Seraphic Order of St. Francis. He was the friend and companion of St. Thomas Aquinas, and ranks with him among the six chief Doctors of the Catholic Church: St. Ambrose and Augustine, St. Jerome and Gregory, Thomas Aquinas and St. Bonaventure. He was born in 1221 at Bagnorea, not far from Viterbo, Italy, of pious parents. At his Baptism he was called John, after his father, but this name was later ex changed for that of St. Bonaventure on account of the following remarkable occurrence.

The Name Bonaventure

At the age of four he fell dangerously ill. His holy mother, Ritella, made a vow that if the child were restored to health she would give him to God. She then took him to St. Francis and pleaded with him to pray for the recovery of her dear son. Moved with pity, St. Francis knelt down in prayer; then rising, he blessed the child, and the little one was instantly cured; nor did he ever after suffer from any sickness until his last illness.

St. Francis, beholding the marvelous se manifestation of the Divine goodness, and foreseeing the child’s future career, exclaimed: “O buona ventura!” that is, “O good luck!” Hence the name of Saint Bonaventure, by which the Saint was called from that time.

A Great Scholar

Ritella’s first care was to inspire her son from his ten desert years with sentiments of true piety and devotion. He made rapid progress in his studies. Upon reaching the age of seventeen, he learned from his mother that she had made a vow to consecrate him to the service of God. Moved by gratitude to St. Francis, Bonaventure entered the Franciscan Order. In 1241 or 1242 he went to Paris to pursue his theological studies. Among the prominent professors at the University was the celebrated Franciscan theologian, Alexander of Hales.

Bonaventure was one of the most conspicuous among the numerous disciples of this great master. It was at the University of Paris that Bonaventure became acquainted with St. Thomas Aquinas, who was five years younger than himself. The holy friendship which sprang up between them lasted through life. Soon after his ordination Bonaventure began to give lectures to the Friars Minor; and on the death of John of Rochelle, who had succeeded Alexander of Hales, he was appointed to fill the chair left vacant at the University. As he was only twenty-three years old, and the age of twenty-five was required for this office, an exception was made in Bonaventure’s case.

Students thronged to hear him, and the impact of his teaching was reflected on the whole Franciscan Order. In 1257, at the suggestion of Pope Alexander IV, St. Bonaventure was chosen General of his Order. He soon restored the peace which had been disturbed by internal dissensions. In 1273 Pope Gregory X consecrated St. Bonaventure Cardinal and Bishop of Albano. One of his reasons for raising the Saint to the dignity of a Cardinal, was his desire to see him direct with greater authority the labors of the General Council which had been convened at Lyons, and was to begin on May 1, 1274.

The chief objects for which the Council had been convoked were: the union of the Greeks with the Catholic Church, the defense of the Holy Land, and the improvement of ecclesiastical discipline. On June 29th St. Bonaventure saw the union with the Greeks completed, and assisted at the solemn Te Deum which was sung in thanksgiving. The following day he fell ill. His condition would not allow him to receive Holy Viaticum. Deeply grieved, but resigned, he asked that the Blessed Sacrament be brought to his room.

The Miracle of the Eucharist

The Sacred Host left the hand of the Priest and placed Itself on the Saint’s heart, filling him with ineffable sweetness. It was in this transport of heavenly joy that Bonaventure breathed his last on the night of July 14, 1274. The Pope and all the prelates of the Church assisted at his funeral on Sunday, the 15th. St. Bonaventure was canonized by Sixtus IV in 1482. A century later he was declared a Doctor of the Church.

Several miracles wrought by the Saint’s intercession are recorded in the Acts of his canonization. During the plague in Lyons, in 1628, the clergy and people carried St. Bonaventure’s relics in procession, and immediately the plague ceased. St. Bonaventure wrote Commentaries on Holy Scripture, many ascetical and mystical treatises, and a beautiful, touching Biography of St. Francis of Assisi, the Founder of his Order.

Prayers to St. Bonaventure

Prayer of Intercession when putting on a St. Bonaventure Medal

Dear St. Bonaventure Cardinal,
Bishop and Doctor of the Church,
you chose a life that embraced mortification
and great humiliation.
Choosing to serve those individuals who were rejected and sick
you risked illness for yourself.
You made your life a continuous prayer
and spent hours meditating on the wounds of Christ.
Please pray for us
that we may have a sincere and humble heart.
Pray that we may not lose sight of Jesus’ wounds
and thus walk on the straight path to eternal salvation.
May we take a great many souls with us
to Our Heavenly Father.

St. Bonaventure you were known to say
“One should carefully beware of decreasing,
even in the slightest,
the honor that is due to Mary.”
May we strive as you did to Love our Blessed Mother
and be carriers of her peace in this world.
Please place our petitions

(State Your Petition Here…)

in the loving hands of Our Blessed Mother
as we know they will be warmly received by her Son.

Amen.

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Prayer Written by St. Bonaventure

Pierce, O most sweet Lord Jesus, my inmost soul with the most joyous and healthful wound of Thy love, and with true, calm and most holy apostolic charity, that my soul may ever languish and melt with entire love and longing for Thee, may yearn for Thee and for thy courts, may long to be dissolved and to be with Thee.

Grant that my soul may hunger after Thee, the Bread of Angels, the refreshment of holy souls, our daily and super substantial bread, having all sweetness and savor and every delightful taste.

May my heart ever hunger after and feed upon Thee, Whom the angels desire to look upon, and may my inmost soul be filled with the sweetness of Thy savor; may it ever thirst for Thee, the fountain of life, the fountain of wisdom and knowledge, the fountain of eternal light, the torrent of pleasure, the fullness of the house of God;

may it ever compass Thee, seek Thee, find Thee, run to Thee, come up to Thee, meditate on Thee, speak of Thee, and do all for the praise and glory of Thy name, with humility and discretion, with love and delight, with ease and affection, with perseverance to the end; and be Thou alone ever my hope, my entire confidence, my riches, my delight, my pleasure, my joy, my rest and tranquility, my peace, my sweetness, my food, my refreshment, my refuge, my help, my wisdom, my portion, my possession, my treasure; in Whom may my mind and my heart be ever fixed and firm and rooted immovably. Amen.

Prayer to St. Bonaventure

Dear St. Bonaventure,
You were a man of great wisdom and grace, who lived a life dedicated to the pursuit of truth and love. Help me to follow your example, to always seek after the knowledge of God, and to live in harmony with all those around me.

Grant me the courage to seek the truth, even when it is difficult to find, and the strength to follow the path that you have laid before me. Show me the way to a life of peace and joy, and help me to bring the light of God into the world.

I pray for your intercession, St. Bonaventure, and ask that you help me to live a life that is true, honest, and pure. Amen.

Prayer for St. Bonaventure’s Intercession

O Holy St. Bonaventure,
You were a faithful servant of God and a beacon of hope for all who knew you. Through your life and teachings, you showed us the way to a closer relationship with our Lord, and the path to a life of true holiness.

I ask for your intercession now, St. Bonaventure, that I may be guided by your wisdom and strength. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to God, and to find joy in serving Him.

Grant me the grace to follow in your footsteps, to love God with all my heart, and to bring the light of His truth into the world. Through your intercession, I pray that I may be given the grace to live a life that is holy and true, and to find peace and happiness in all that I do. Amen.

Popular St. Bonaventure Medal and St. Bonaventure Rosary

A St. Bonaventure medal or a St. Bonaventure rosary is a perfect gift to give to a young man who has chosen St. Bonaventure as their confirmation name or a loved one who suffers bowel disorders. Wearing a St. Bonaventure medal daily is a perpetual prayer for Saint Bonaventure to intercede on behalf of the wearer. As saints are united closer to God, their prayers are more efficacious, and enriches your own prayer.

Additionally, a Saint Bonaventure medal pendant is a reminder to emulate the example of the holy saint in your own life. What a beautiful testament of faith to share with the world, or to keep discretely tucked under your clothes. During the challenging moments of your day, reflect upon the holy life of St. Bonaventure and pray for their intercession and protection.

Our St. Bonaventure Medal Pendant is proudly hand pressed by local artisans in the United States. The St. Bonaventure medal features a profile image of St. Bonaventure preaching the Gospel with a halo surrounding him. Around the outside of the image are the words “St. Bonaventure Pray for Us”

St. Bonaventure: The Patron Saint of Theologists and a Healer of Souls

St. Bonaventure, also known as Giovanni di Fidanza, was a Franciscan friar and theologian who lived in the 13th century. He is revered as one of the great thinkers of the Middle Ages, and his writings and teachings continue to influence the Church to this day. But beyond his contributions to theology, St. Bonaventure is also remembered as a patron saint of several causes, including theologists and those seeking healing for their souls.

The Life of St. Bonaventure

St. Bonaventure was born in Bagnorea, Italy in 1221. As a young man, he joined the Franciscan order and quickly rose through the ranks to become a respected teacher and writer. He was appointed Minister General of the order in 1257 and held that position until his death in 1274. During his time as Minister General, St. Bonaventure worked to strengthen the Franciscan order and helped to establish it as a major force in the Church.

In addition to his administrative duties, St. Bonaventure was also an accomplished theologian. He wrote extensively on the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, and his works helped to deepen the understanding of Franciscan spirituality. He also wrote on a wide range of other theological topics, including the nature of God, the role of the Church, and the nature of salvation. These works helped to establish St. Bonaventure as one of the greatest theologians of the Middle Ages.

Why St. Bonaventure is the Patron Saint of Theologists

St. Bonaventure’s contributions to the field of theology have earned him the title of patron saint of theologists. He is remembered for his deep insights into the nature of God and the role of the Church, as well as for his ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and accessible way. For these reasons, he is revered by theologians, who turn to him for inspiration and guidance in their work.

Why St. Bonaventure is a Healer of Souls

Beyond his contributions to theology, St. Bonaventure is also remembered as a healer of souls. He was known for his deep compassion and his ability to help people find comfort and peace in their struggles. Whether it was a person facing a difficult decision or someone struggling with a personal crisis, St. Bonaventure was there to offer guidance and support. This is why he is considered a patron saint of those seeking healing for their souls.

St. Bonaventure was a remarkable figure who made a lasting impact on the Church and the world. His contributions to theology and his compassionate spirit have earned him a place in the hearts of many, and his legacy continues to inspire and guide people to this day. Whether you are a theologist or someone seeking healing for your soul, St. Bonaventure is a powerful patron saint who can provide comfort and guidance in times of need.

 

Reflection on the feast day of St. Bonaventure

The feast day of St. Bonaventure is on July 15th.

St. Bonaventure was a Franciscan friar, theologian, and bishop of the 13th century. He is remembered for his deep devotion to God, his contributions to the study of theology, and his service to the Church. He was a close collaborator of St. Thomas Aquinas and is considered one of the greatest Franciscan theologians.

On the feast day of St. Bonaventure, we are called to reflect on his life and the example he set for us. We can learn from his deep devotion to God, his commitment to studying and understanding the faith, and his service to the Church. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge, not just for its own sake, but to better understand and love God.

St. Bonaventure’s teachings and writings, such as his “”Itinerarium Mentis in Deum””, have been influential in the study of theology and spirituality. He emphasized the importance of contemplative prayer and the role of the imagination in our spiritual journey. He also wrote commentaries on scripture and hymns. He is a model of how the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship can be a way to deepen our faith and draw us closer to God.

St. Bonaventure also serves as an example of holiness and service to the Church. He was appointed as a bishop and was known for his charity and pastoral care for his people. He was also known for his humility, which he considered as one of the most important virtues for a Christian to cultivate.

Let us ask for the intercession of St. Bonaventure, that we may be inspired by his example to deepen our own devotion to God and to the study of our faith. Let us also pray that we may be guided in our own pursuits of knowledge and scholarship, so that we may better understand and love God and share the faith with others. And may we also learn to follow his example of humility and service to the Church.

Discover biographies, prayers, and reflections for more than 400 Catholic Saints

St. Bonaventure’s Prayer for Wisdom

O Holy St. Bonaventure, who by your wisdom and love of God reached such great heights in your spiritual journey, grant me the grace of wisdom to understand the truths of our faith and to live my life in accordance with God’s will. Help me to seek knowledge and love of God above all things, and to grow in my relationship with Him each day. Amen.

St. Bonaventure’s Prayer for Humility

O St. Bonaventure, model of humility and docility to the will of God, grant me the grace to be truly humble in heart. Help me to see my own weaknesses and to acknowledge my dependence on God’s grace. Teach me to seek to serve others before myself, and to be always willing to submit to God’s will, no matter what difficulties I may encounter. Amen.

St. Bonaventure’s Prayer for Spiritual Guidance

O St. Bonaventure, who was guided by the Holy Spirit throughout your life, intercede for me before the throne of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide me on my spiritual journey and to lead me to the truth of our faith. Help me to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to be open to His leading in all aspects of my life. Amen.”

Saints Similar to St. Bonaventure

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Thomas Aquinas. St. Bonaventure and St. Thomas Aquinas were both influential theologians and scholars in the Catholic Church. They were both members of the Franciscan order and played significant roles in the development of Scholastic theology. Next up: Biography of St. Boniface

 

Also check out our handmade St. Bonaventure Medal and St. Bonaventure Rosary and St. Bonaventure Rosary Bracelet.

Saints Similar to St. Bonaventure

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Thomas Aquinas. St. Bonaventure and St. Thomas Aquinas were both influential theologians and scholars in the Catholic Church. They were both members of the Franciscan order and played significant roles in the development of Scholastic theology. Next up: Biography of St. Boniface

 

Also check out our handmade St. Bonaventure Medal and St. Bonaventure Rosary and St. Bonaventure Rosary Bracelet.